A friend of mine has depression. We've been friend since grade school. I just realized even as kids, she get really down in the winter time, EVERY winter . She won't talk to any of her friends and won't leave her house. She has been doing this for 14 yrs. I'm like her only friend left. The DR findly said she had depression last year, she has been like this for 14 yrs.
She gets SSS for it and she still lives at home.
I thought bec. she is inside, she could handle, instant messages. She just all of a sudden won't reply and it happens to be winter (always winter when she starts acting like this). Any advice, I live 3,000 miles away from her. I just don't know how to get her attention! I know she starts to act more out going when it's warm outside. Any advice would be helpful
2007-01-16 07:41:39 · 11 answers · asked by Apple 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
again this has been going on since grade school.She is now 24 yrs old
2007-01-16 07:46:44 · update #1
ok someone said buy special lights. Please explain. The tannning bed would really work? I know she used to go a long time ago
2007-01-16 07:54:51 · update #2
Do people that have SAD feel sick or feel in pain bec their not getting enough sun light?
2007-01-16 09:11:44 · update #3
She has seasonal affective disorder.
In the dark days of fall and winter, you may turn your face to the afternoon sun, seeking out what little light filters through fading gray skies. You may throw open the blinds, leave lights on throughout your home or even head south for a vacation — anything for a little more light. Or you may even be unable to crawl out of bed in the morning.
For people with a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this need for light takes on greater significance. Treatment with light therapy may offer a chance to regain the happier mood and brighter outlook that you lose to seasonal affective disorder. Learn how light therapy works and understand its pros and cons.
This is NO BS. You can buy special lights to simulate sunshine and make you feel better. The body needs sunshine to make vitamin D. 15 minutes per day on the face and hands makes a world of difference. Good luck.
2007-01-16 07:48:59 · answer #1 · answered by Mark W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is actually called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Go to WebMD or somewhere similar and look it up. There are a lot of good suggestions. How old is she? Does she have family? Someone needs to get her out of the house and get her active. Perhaps she can join a group of some type. I know this is really hard, but what are the chances you can visit her or she can fly to you for a visit? She needs companioinship. Do look up SAD though and if you know her family, contact them and tell them of your concerns (perhaps they're too busy to notice themselves). You can do it in a nice manner. Also, WRITE to her (real snail mail, not e-mail). Keep calling!
2007-01-16 07:47:16 · answer #2 · answered by Mickey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People in colder climates/winter time can sometimes react to the lack of sunshine. This is a possibility that comes to my mind. If she has already disconnected it might be spring before you can suggest this to her for next winter. Suggest a day light lamp in her home that she can spend at least 2 to 3 hours under. Best time is when reading or on the computer. Just one thought........but I am sure you realize this is something she has to want to change in order for any change to take place. Nice that you care :-)
2007-01-16 07:47:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have that problem and I have found that more lighting in your house a must, I also feel you should get some passion in her life so since you are good friend maybe you could come up with something she has shown interest in and help her to get outside her own self pity....
2007-01-16 07:47:13 · answer #4 · answered by Gypsy Gal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not certain, but it might be she needs more vitamin d in here body. that is what we get from the sunshine, that usually we don't get much in the winter. It's not good for you all the time. but maybe once in awhile she could go to a tanning bed and get some rays that way...I would also encourage her to talk to her doctor about this... Good luck . sounds like she has a true friend with you .
2007-01-16 07:46:50 · answer #5 · answered by lynda 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like SAD....a disease where people's moods are affected from lack of sunlight. She needs therapy if she can't deal with this on her own. Everyone feels a little down during winter, but it is preventing her from living her life. Get in touch with one of her family members.
2007-01-16 07:46:26 · answer #6 · answered by VOLLEYBALLY 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As I read that, I just kept thinking about how good of a friend you must be to care about her that much. You really need to talk to her family since they seem to be the only ones she's around everyday. They should be doing something to help their daughter! All you can do, I fear, is just keep trying to be her friend. She needs help--professional help. All you can do is keep loving her!
2007-01-16 07:50:21 · answer #7 · answered by iluvatm 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Winter affects a lot of people this way. There are products that can help your friend. Go to www.vaxa.com This site has very good products that could help your friend. Deprex is one she should take.She is very lucky to have you for a friend
2007-01-16 07:51:08 · answer #8 · answered by Cobra 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Winter time is gloomy. Lots of clouds, have to stay inside.
She needs to get a grip on herself. Go outside more.
ALso she should have daylight lights installed in her living quarters. They look like daylight light.
She should see a doctor and if she has.....try another doctor. Good luck. Pops
2007-01-16 07:46:54 · answer #9 · answered by Pops 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Sounds like SAD (SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER)
Drs can treat this with a pill and lift the moods.
2007-01-16 07:44:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋