S.A.D.

angel1

I attended a conference recently dealing with depression and stress - think it`s maybe time I retired! - and a lot was made of S.A.D. Seasonal Affective Disorder.

This is now being widely recognised as a genuine complaint by the medical profession, and I have to say that I personally can feel quite low, during the winter months. I`m not totally convinced though. I`m suspicious of labels.

However, as so many people on here have said that they are feeling really down at present, I wondered if anyone had actually been told they suffered from S.A.D. Also, if anyone had any experience of the lamps which are supposed to combat the problem. These are quite expensive, and I`m afraid I`m a bit cynical, so would love to hear from anyone with experience of using them..........Ange.

mellman01

I find the thing that gets me the most is the dam clocks changing gets me down in the autum, I wish they would just leave the flippin things alone and a lot more people wouldn't have so much of an adjustment problem, thing is no one has a flippin clue why we do it these days. All we need to do is tie it in with "global warming" and they would change them right back straight off, ho hum for a normal Pagan life in sync with nature AND DAYLIGHT!!

skezier

Hi Ange,

My step mothers mother was officially diagnosed by the NHS as having SAD and it involved tests as well. It might be cus of the tests that they say its real? Hers they have given her a light on the NHS and its a bit more complex than being down it seems, how ever it must have a range on it I should think? Hope your ok up there stay warm. Love Cris xx

joyful164

My OH has def. got S.A.D.
I,ve never known someone get so down, depressed, just everything.
As soon as he has done anything, he is exhausted. He is always feeling cold too.

Joy

Wonkylegs

my hubby not had a def. diagnosis, but the GP agreed that he probably had a mild case as when he was moved from an office with no daylight into an office with a whole wall of window, that winter he had less problems than the previous winters when he had been very very low.

Also, since they moved him out of that office and back into an office with no daylight he has not been so good

he hasn't tried the lights though, as very expensive to get the ones with the right level of light. Maybe when we win the lottery

c4thyg

I've been told I get S.A.D. as well. It's quite common with ppl who suffer from autoimmune problems as they can't make Vitamin D so easily. My vitamin D levels can get low so I take supplements. At the moment I always seem to be seeking out the light.

annie_mial

I have believed for some time that this is right; I think research has now shown that lack of vitamin D is responsible for quite a high percentage of seasonal depression (and any other depression in a bad summer).

I know I am always chasing the daylight from November to March.....I hate the long dark evenings and nights. Takes me a long time to give in and draw the curtains these nights.

Annie

joyful164

I have one of those blue lamps in my art room (day light bulbs) and I always find some energy when I am working in there.
I also take vitamin D - just hope my body absorbs it.

I know I do get down a lot of times, I also feel that people may have a down on me and perhaps talk behind my back about me. This all comes from being badly bullied at school. I had councilling sessions - These feelings always seem worse during the winter, dark cold and wet winters which tend to stop us doing what we want to do. As soon as the brighter, lighter evenings come, we find a new energy, we stay busier and suddenly, the thoughts about those who may be talking about us, behind our backs.
Do I make sense? When we are in pain during these dark times, can only make us feel worse.

Anyway, goodnight. The sun 'ill come out tomorrow, tomorrow....Joy

angel1

Thanks everyone for your interesting replies. I think we can safely say that S.A.D does exist.

For quite some time now, I have noticed that as soon as darkness falls, I start to get a bit restless, and, my BP rises slightly. Unfortunately, this affects my sleep pattern too. I have always been an outdoors person, and love the sun, so perhaps this is not surprising.

I have looked at the lamps, but am completely confused. There are so many different types, and some are really expensive. Also, reading the reviews, it seems the "did nothing for me" ones, outweigh those who found them beneficial. If anyone else has used them, please let me know your opinion........Ange.