S.A.D - any cures?

Question

I get seansonal affective disorder at this time of year. Has anyone got any ideas of how i can make it go away or lift me out of it? christmas is still to far away and all i can think about it is that i can't afford it, not how great it is. PLEASE help !

Answer 1

SAD is very treatable. I ran a treatment program in Alaska for just that. The most reliable treatment is to expose yourself to a 10,000 lux light for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. 10,000 is the equivalent of the intensity of sunlight at 7 in the morning at the equator. There is a company in Canada called Northen Light Technologies. They sell a lamp for a very reasonable price. It is called the Sadelite. It looks kind of like a desk lamp. You should sit facing the lamp with your eyes 18 inches from the light source. It is not necessary to look directly into the light. You cqn sit and read by it, do homework, pay bills, whatever. The best time to expose yourself to the light is within the first 4 hours after awakening. If after 2-3 weeks you are not noticing much response, increase the time you spend in front of the light to an hour. If you still are having symptoms, see a doctor. Some people require medication as well as the light to lift the depression. A good rule of thumb is to use the light from about September until late April or early May.
Some researchers have shown some evidence that SAD is caused by a hormone in the brain called Melatonin. It is thought to be one of the factors that cause us to get sleepy at night, and then fall asleep. This may be triggered by darkness. When the sun comes up, the melatonin is turned off and we wake up. The theory is that for some reason, melatonin is not turned off in people with SAD, possible because the intensity of fall and winter light is not enough to turn it off, so we feel sleepy and sluggish, have other symptoms of depression until the light is intense enough in the spring and summer to turn it off at night again. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hi there, SAD is what it states, a sad time and a sad frame of mind. I come from a tropical climate and live in the uk now, I suffered from SAD but no more....
Mmmm the light box and sunlamps do have their uses, a diet that is rich in fruit and veg with a good measure of meat, a regular walk in daylight hours, even if only on the weekends does wonders. Best of all, do something to cheer up others, make cards, gifts or help your neighbor do something, the reception of goodwill and self satisfaction releases positive endorphins into your blood stream,these give you the best feel good factor, alternatively save up in the early part of the year and go to the sun mid november or early december, no need to go to exotic and expensive places like costa lotta or such places, try a more exotic or european type holiday on the top half of the mediterranean sea, croatia is cheap and excellent value for money.

Answer 3

The lack of daylight during the winter months decreases the amount of Vitamin D we produce. It is manufactured in the skin by the activation of a sterol by ultraviolet radiation (sunlight).Vitamin D is classified as a vitamin because it is required for metabolism and deficiency can result in tiredness, melancoly and an inibility to get up in the morning. Combine this with dark mornings and you will seriously want to stay asleep all day - hence feeling tired and low (but not clinically depressed)
Xmas, on the other hand will depress you if you are too skint to buy presents, but remember xmas is not about how much you spend but how much you care xxxx

Answer 4

I work as a Psychic Healer in Liverpool in a large Alternative Therapy Clinic (The Everton Brown Clinic) and I have removed such a problem as S A D before.
If you dont live far away then come and see me and I will help you....
See you soon... Col...

Answer 5

mom my has the same thing, and her doctor reccomended something called a 'light box' which you use during winter months to help counter the depression,so try asking your doctor about that. as for christmas, try to work out a plan to help you cope with how much money your going to be spending, and think of creative gifts that wouldn't cost as much money. also think about the positive things about christmas, all of the good times and happy faces that your presents will bring. good luck!

Answer 6

Buy a special lamp...light therapy or ask your Dr./psychiatrist for anti depressant, take it for this S.A.D. Or go to Bahamas during Winter. Invite more friends to come over to your house to accompany you, or hold more party, make yourself busy.

Answer 7

I suffer from depression, which only gets worse during the winter months. I feel your pain. Exercise really seems to help, as well as a good diet.

Answer 8

2 weeks on a beach in Spain

Answer 9

try going outside in the sunlight some. most of the time SAD is caused by the time change and shorter days. try to be outside in the sun as much as possible. keep blinds open... ect.

Answer 10

i am a sufferer of depression to, i agree exercise helps me and just generally trying to stay positive. Maybe you could plan your summer holiday, that would give you something happy to focus on. AND get lots of hugs from your friends!