I seem to swing from being confident lots of energy,inventive ideas during spring summer months?

Question

but this time of year get very depressed introverted and in past hopsitalised. This year just before Christmas sarted to feel extremely down hopless ect when in fact had achieved much assumed burn out Doc agreed to nip in bud (physical as well as social issues and demands)& I asksed for med to give me just 3-4 dyas constant sleep. prescribed Tomazipan 40mg inetermittant sleep overactive dreams mind buzzing with creative ideas ++ racing thoughts constant exhaustion. This wk 7 days supply only with srict warnings but with idea to give me some peace and hope to start again. Prescription: ongoing 150 Venlafaxine morn +75mg eve extra 1 /7.5 zoplicone morn +1/ 7.5 eve + 1 Ametriptoline eve 25mg. Sleep patn improved but stil wking middle nght less overactive mentally but still not knocked me out for short period to sleep and slow bown my overactive mind that physically I havnt got the enrgy to go with. Right now just wnt some peace energy and hope again a little time out

Answer 1

This sounds like "Seasonal affective disorder" it's a common ailment which affects approx 1 in 20 ppl, simple remedies can include a facial sun lamp or an occasional trip to the local sunbed solarium.
Famous sufferers include Johnny Briggs (Mike Baldwin from Coronation St)

Answer 2

I don't think this is a case of Bipolar personally as someone else suggested. I do think its a bad case of S.A.D - Seasonal Affective Disorder.

The main things that make it NOT sound like Bipolar is that with the "intermittent sleep" you have constant exhaustion. With Bipolar you have a decreased NEED for sleep and an over abundance of energy. You obviously WANT to sleep as you are tired, yet can't - insomnia not Bipolar.

St John's Wort can be good for S.A.D sufferers and you can buy special daylight bulbs or a specific light designed for S.A.D sufferers. I would also suggest going to your doctor and discussing whether or not this is S.A.D and what you can do about it - I don't think your current "cocktail" is working so it may be worth a rethink and a chat with your GP.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

I'm sure your doctor has alread mentioned this but a lot of people physically need the light and sunshine to be happier (thats why they often put depressed people in front of light panels). Also, if you feel its more than that there is a seasonal depressive disorder that you could research. A psychologist might try figuring out if there is some subconscious reason you become upset near the holidays. Sorry if thats no help!

Answer 4

You say that you feel happy and upbeat during the summer, but down at christmas; this may simply be a case of SAD, a simply psychological problem that many people have. It means that your behaviour and feelings change with the seasons. Many people feel down during christmas and winter because it is cold and miserable, just like their emotions. I don't think that drugs will work against this, but if it helps you sleep then great - just don't become dependant on them and rely on them to help you every time this happens. Otherwise you could put your body at serious risk and cause more problems than you solve.

Answer 5

i feel your pain, although i may not go through what you are going though there are people who have more or less a stress problem due to or from what ever or who ever they are. It seems doctors have no cure other than pills that are really chemicals from who knows what, but we trust them right?? When you get a chance research omega 3, it is very complicated to explain but it should help. And do not listen to them perfect diet answers there just a waste of time to your life adding more pressure along with more stress. I do recommend you exercise but if your not into it, try starting out by walking a couple of mile with your walkman just to blow off steam... and then take it from there. Remember the world is yours

Answer 6

Yea, I know how you feel.

Its got something to do with the lack of light. I saw on tv a few years ago that doctors had finally diagnosed it as a real condition.

Its called Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here are a few pages about it

Answer 7

it is severe winter depression.... or depression/anxiety linked to the seasons in some way..... but i am obviously NOT a doctor... i just happen to be one of many people who suffers from mild winter depression...

it is common for people in areas that are more cloudy/cold to be more likely to suffer from various levels of depression. northern Ohio is specifically an area that has a super high percentage of people with such weather-related problems.

discussing with your doctor the idea of relocating to a warmer climate would be a good idea... they can suggest to you as to whether this would be a viable option to help treat your condition.

Answer 8

wow, noone reads this and thinks BIPOLAR? the lack of sleep the "mind buzzing" and mood cycling definatly are indicators that this may not be just seasonal affective disorder. you need to tell your doctor about these other symtoms

Answer 9

Try going to a tanning salon. You are on ALOT of drugs; you might want to get a second opinion.

Answer 10

have you tryed full spectrum lighting?sounds like seasonal destress syndrum.