I am a student up in the North and I feel very depressed when the winter comes because of the extended darkness. I live where there will be only 4 hours of day light in the middle of the winter (I am in Norway). I had experienced one winter last year, which was horrible. I want to avoid depressions this time. Is there anyone out there who can tell me what to do to avoid or decrease depressions?
Thanks.
2007-10-12 02:27:40 · 7 answers · asked by coolfer 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Many people in the north have vitamin D deficiency, especially during the winter. This contributes to seasonal depression syndrome. Take a vitamin D supplement that contains about 1000 units. This has made a noticeable difference for me. (It used to be thought that supplemental vitamin D was toxic but this has been proved wrong. Supplements are now being made in 1000 units). You also might consider buying a natural light lighting fixture to replicate sunlight. Don't go for the tanning bed idea. Tanning can cause melanoma (skin cancer) and it damages the skin in other ways, causing premature aging and lost of elasticity of the skin among other things.
2007-10-12 02:48:20 · answer #1 · answered by philosophyangel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but there are proven studies to back it up. Go to a tanning bed once or twice a week (more if you'd like). They have proven that there are vitamins that you become deficient in (I think A&D) during the winter because of the lack of sun exposure. I understand that a tanning bed is "fake" sun, but it has always helped me. It will make you feel less cold, as a tan will keep your core body temperature up. Kinda like during the summer, when you have a nice tan, you seem to stay warmer than if you just stayed inside all summer.
My husband generally gets me a tanning bed package for Christmas to keep me from becoming a raging lunatic come January from lack of sun!!!!
2007-10-12 02:40:23 · answer #2 · answered by kiddo235 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Are you all alone?
If you're not, then spend time with those around you... Company always helps fight off sad or dull moments...
But if you're alone, then try using the Internet to amuse you... You can have a lot of people to talk to and entertain you as time passes by...
All it takes is a little creativity and imagination to make something good out of something seemingly bad...
Have a nice day / winter...
2007-10-12 02:43:19 · answer #3 · answered by Enigmatically Poetic 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
(SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder
A condition characterized by depression, social withdrawal, overeating and weight gain. Its a fairly large problem.
The best therapy so far for SAD and safest is light.
I keep more lights on during the winter months. Its works for me.
Good luck.
2007-10-12 04:31:06 · answer #4 · answered by X-Woman 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have lived in norway so this question is perfect for me. when i lived there i just always kept all the lights on. sometimes i left the tv or music on, that should help you not feel alone. try decorating your house with happy things like brightly colored plush rugs. this will make your house feel cozy and warm and bright. hope this helps!
2007-10-12 02:39:02 · answer #5 · answered by Answers 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
light therapy helps. i can't remember the details, but you can buy lamps that emit natural light and spending time in front of them can help induce natural levels of serotonin (which is lacking with little sunlight). You also do need vitamin D (the sun is a natural source).
2007-10-12 02:44:55 · answer #6 · answered by no qf 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tanning booths are good boosters but not to many times.
2007-10-12 02:49:30 · answer #7 · answered by Conrey 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋