s.a.d. seasonable devective disorder?

Question

Any body out there suffering from sad, if so what are your symptoms and what do you do to try and rectify the matter,thanks for reading this i will be very gratefull for your honest replies.thank you

Answer 1

feeling low, not a lot of energy and a feeling that other people are having more fun than me.

remedy

go and have a few beers with my best friend

Answer 2

It's "seasonal affective disorder" and a percentage of the population of folks who live in the far north of the globe experience it during the winter months. Some simple treatments include brighter, cheerier lighting in the home and office, the inclusion of houseplants (artificial ones should look as close to real as possible) and keeping something of a social calendar that enables you to be with others on a regular basis - like two or three times a week.

My wife and I deal with the "winter doldrums" by spending hours and hours planning our summer - we reenact the American Civil War and do Living History presentations on that topic. She works full time, so isn't as affected by the season as I am - I do in-school presentations on the Civil War for local public school and home-schooled pupils. Keeps me out of the house and involved in what we believe is an important service and memorial to our forbears.

There are many creative ways to deal with s.a.d. First, realize that it isn't a disgrace to suffer from it and that it does not mean you are a weak and whiny person. Look for distractions - they're out there, but admittedly during winter can be harder to find and, when the weather's REALLY crappy, hard to get to. I have a second activity when it gets like that - I'm a ham radio operator. Talking to a dude in the Bahamas or Puerto Vallarca or Mexico City is almost as heartwarming as being there on the beach with him, chugging Dos Eqquis and ogling the bikini-clad girls *ahem* and trying to keep my wife from noticing where I'm looking!

Answer 3

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a condition which tends to affect people as we move into autumn when the days get shorter. This causes the mood ('affect') to change and some people become quite depressed, lacking energy & enjoyment of life. Other things may change too e.g. appetite and sleeping patterns.

When you wake up in the morning, turn the lights on and make things as bright as possible; you can buy lights which are the right brightness to use close to you while you are having breakfast or reading etc. These lights can help to regulate the melatonin (the 'sleep hormone') which affects other substances that cause changes to your mood.

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Hello,

The condition SAD is directly affected by the lack of daylight at this time of year (especially in Northern Latitudes). SAD is due to the lack of a chemical in the body & brain called Dopamine.

The bodies production of dopamine is stimulated by day light and so in some people the shorter days of the winter months can cause a lack of dopamine.

**I know one of the cures for SAD is large sized light boxes which have special daylight spectrum tubes, which the suffer can sit infront for a specific length of time and this definately improves the condition.

**I think depression, low energy levels and yes sadness are symptoms but dont quote me on that as I dont have the condition myself.

IR

Answer 5

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that is linked to sunlight exposure and indeed intensive sunlight exposure works in some with SAD. The symptoms of SAD do not vary much from depression in general although there is a correlation with season (sun) thus the name seasonal. Symptoms include a change (usually a decrease) in sleep/rest, energy, eating, mood, interest in activities, and the ability to concentrate. Anti depressants treat this as well as exposure fo sunlight.

Answer 6

My husband has been suffering with this for years and believe me every winter is a miserable time for not only him but for the rest of the family also. For years he refused to seek help but last year I dragged him to a doctor who finally made him understand that it wont go on its own. For the past 2 years he has taken to his bed more or less permenantly from November to March - he was sleeping all day and awake at night so he could avoid seeing people. Now he is permenantly on anti depressants (Escitilopram) 10mg daily which help. He still has really down days and when one comes we just up his dose to double for 2 or 3 days and it works. In addition we have now got him a light therapy box which he uses in the evening at home. For the first time in years I have now got my husband back. If you or a loved one are suffering go and chat with your GP and get help . Good luck xxx

Answer 7

Tiredness, lack of motivation, lethargy....

I have invested in a light-box which helps increases the bodies production of serotonin's. (a chemical used by the body to stimulate mood)

I have also used st.johns wart throughout the winter season to assist me with 'coping'. (a natural type of mild antidepressant)

The light-box which replicates the suns rays is expensive but a good investment although not so practical when needing to go-to work. I use it whilst having breakfast before work, then 'top up' when getting home. (Oh if only I could get a tan from it as well)

Answer 8

The best way possible is to do exsercise. If possible eat healthy food instead of stodge and the best bit for me was to go to the sunbed parlour twice a week. Remember that the more you think about it, the the bigger the problem becomes.Sad is recognised but is easily overcome with serious effort

Answer 9

S.A.D. affects people who live in areas where there is not much sunlight. I combat it with increased exercise, and as much light from both natural and artificial sources as I can get. Full-spectrum light is best. There are special "light boxes" one can buy or make to combat SAD, but they are quite expensive. I use "aquarium" lights, of the highest number lumens (lumen is a measure of light output) that I can find.

Growing plants seem to help me too, probably because of the small amount of extra oxygen. Good nutritiion and a regular sleep schedule are important. Mental stimulation is helpful. (Reading, word games, puzzles, good company, etc.) If your symptoms are severe enough to cause you problems in functioning, you might want to consider anti-depressant medication.

Answer 10

im up here in sunny (Note the sycasum) aberdeen, scotland which is sposed to be one of the worst parts of the uk for S.A.D.
it can be really miserable here and it dosent help that the city is built with granite which is grey.i must admit that when the sun comes out i feel a definate improvement in my mood.as to whether this is S.A.D. related i couldnt tell you but considering it is gonna be months till the summer again i do feel depressed.

damn...now im in a good mood....!lol
hope that helps

Answer 11

yes i suffer from this. Fed up, tired, miserable. I went on holiday last week to Lanzarote and I perked up no end, but I'm back now and feeling fed up, tired and miserable. Probably not helped because i had to go back to work too. I am being serious, I hate the dark nights and winter weather, truly. I'd like to hibernate.