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Seasonal Depression

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Started 2 years ago by colinpperkins
Latest reply from vestanpance

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colinpperkins

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I am quite relieved that this year winter has decided to stay away a bit longer. Typically by this time of year I feel like I can't get out of bed - and one of the reasons is because of seasonal depression. That isn't just self-diagnosed. A doctor told me that I have it - and my mother definitely gets it too.

But, I am also the sort of person that takes issue with just giving a convenient label to every mood swing. A close friend of mine - who is ever so supportive - sarcastically remarked to me when I mentioned that I think I have seasonal depression": "Why, because you don't like it when it's not sunny? Wow. That's so weird". He's a dick.

Anyways, I guess what I am wondering is if other people feel a tremendous void of energy and general drag on your life from November-March. One recent discussion asked why CU Messageboard is becoming the new Yahoo Answers - but I think this discussion is relevant since we are all experiencing the same conditions together.

So, do a lot of other people feel this way? How do you deal with it? Short of going to Florida every few weeks - are there ways that people have found to combat this? Diet? Exercise? Vitamins?

Or am I just a whiny mofo who should just get over it?

Posted 2 years ago #
vestanpance
Harrison West/at work OSU
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football season is over... that's my seasonal depression.

Posted 2 years ago #
scottlitch
Southwest Hilltop, Columbus
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I get it too. I go to Florida either for Christmas or near spring break, however going over Christmas breaks the winter up much better. I also eat Vitamin D pills. Once I get through March I feel much better again. My birthday is in April and the weather typically changes right around then.

Posted 2 years ago #
sugarplumclarey

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Some people I know use UV lights throughout the day to trick their minds into thinking that it's sunny outside and boost their moods. I don't think antidepressants work for seasonal affective disorder though i know that they are commonly prescribed for it. I find it helpful to get up as soon as the sun rises in order to maximize my body's exposure to daylight. Exercise helps me (yoga in particular). The most drastic improvements are obviously made when you live in warmer, sunnier climates but that's not the most realistic solution :)

Posted 2 years ago #
patient_zero
Falafel District
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CPP, as Summer starts to wane, I start psyching myself up for the crisp Fall and crunchy snow Winter. I'm a Summer guy at heart - swimming, growing tomatoes, going to all the outdoor festivals. So I start thinking of the positive aspects of the fall and winter - the leaves, the rustling wind, the glimmer of fresh snow in the morning and hold those images in my brain. I also remind myself of the importance of the seasons in relation to Fall (harvest, preparing the ground for Spring) and Winter (resting period for the Earth,), and I find comfort in that.

Posted 2 years ago #
jmak
Gahanna
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patient_zero wrote >>
CPP, as Summer starts to wane, I start psyching myself up for the crisp Fall and crunchy snow Winter. I'm a Summer guy at heart - swimming, growing tomatoes, going to all the outdoor festivals. So I start thinking of the positive aspects of the fall and winter - the leaves, the rustling wind, the glimmer of fresh snow in the morning and hold those images in my brain. I also remind myself of the importance of the seasons in relation to Fall (harvest, preparing the ground for Spring) and Winter (resting period for the Earth,), and I find comfort in that.

Wow, PZ, where can I read more of your poetry? :)

well said.

Posted 2 years ago #
TaraK
probably at the coffee shop
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For me, it's really a matter of my brain associating nightfall with "end of day" and thus all systems ceasing to be productive, though mostly in the cognitive department. At the same time, I always feel like the winter is the most peaceful period of the year, as in a time when I tend to feel very together and able to make goals, plan long-term, etc. Perhaps "contemplative" is the word I'm looking for.

As others mentioned, I do know folks who use UV lighting and even tanning beds/facial tanners to help them cope, although there's one case where I suspect that's just his excuse for his epic quest toward permanent orangeness.

Posted 2 years ago #
patient_zero
Falafel District
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@jmak Shucks man, I'm flattered. It's just one man's view on life, that's all. Feel free to use any of my musings in upcoming Shadowbox works!

Posted 2 years ago #
misskitty
Columbus
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My mom gets this real bad she is also menopausal itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a double whammy But she goes to the tanning bed and it helps her a lot. Her mood has improved very much. Thank God

Posted 2 years ago #
Anne
King Lincoln
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cocoa and marshmallows help me. :)

Posted 2 years ago #
joev
Merion Village
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Going outside during the middle of the day and soaking in some of that snow-reflected light does wonders for me. I'll usually take a walk at lunchtime and uncover as much of my skin as I can bear.

Posted 2 years ago #
Rastapasta
Olde North
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I get seasonal depression as well; last year I was going through some other stuff as well and I was miserable I go tanning which helps me a lot, probably not something that would work for you if you have a fair complexion though.

Also, making "plans" in the winter is a big help to me; giving me things to look forward to. From special dinner plans a week or two in advance, to planning little get aways/trips knowing I have something out of the ordinary and fun to break up the monotony is excellent.

Posted 2 years ago #
Analogue Kid
5th by West-Northwest
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I recommend spending time outside as much as possible. If its cold, just bundle up and you'll be fine. Visit a Metro Park and take a hike to marvel at the dormancy of nature. Seeing a grove of pine trees is nice too.

Posted 2 years ago #
cr0m
"Lower" Hilliard
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colinpperkins wrote >>
I am quite relieved that this year winter has decided to stay away a bit longer. Typically by this time of year I feel like I can't get out of bed - and one of the reasons is because of seasonal depression. That isn't just self-diagnosed. A doctor told me that I have it - and my mother definitely gets it too.
But, I am also the sort of person that takes issue with just giving a convenient label to every mood swing. A close friend of mine - who is ever so supportive - sarcastically remarked to me when I mentioned that I think I have seasonal depression": "Why, because you don't like it when it's not sunny? Wow. That's so weird". He's a dick.
Anyways, I guess what I am wondering is if other people feel a tremendous void of energy and general drag on your life from November-March. One recent discussion asked why CU Messageboard is becoming the new Yahoo Answers - but I think this discussion is relevant since we are all experiencing the same conditions together.
So, do a lot of other people feel this way? How do you deal with it? Short of going to Florida every few weeks - are there ways that people have found to combat this? Diet? Exercise? Vitamins?
Or am I just a whiny mofo who should just get over it?

I struggle with regular depression from time-to-time and I think that exercise makes a HUGE difference in helping with it. Give it a shot. Doesn't have to be anything extreme. Just get your rear moving and it will help.

Posted 2 years ago #
DavidF
Elysium Fields
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I try to get outside and walk as much as I can. There is something about being out in the air and not confining myself to a box just because the weather isn't optimum that always seems to lift my spirits.

Posted 2 years ago #
rus

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DavidF wrote >>
I try to get outside and walk as much as I can. There is something about being out in the air and not confining myself to a box just because the weather isn't optimum that always seems to lift my spirits.

I get that too, but mostly because a lot of people stay home. A dark, damp and dreary day where it seems the sun will never shine brightly again is a favorite.

Posted 2 years ago #
patient_zero
Falafel District
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Analogue Kid wrote >> Visit a Metro Park and take a hike to marvel at the dormancy of nature. Seeing a grove of pine trees is nice too.

There's a grove of white pines on the south side walking path in Sharon Woods that I frequent. The air in that little pocket of pines is so fresh. For that moment, I'm transcended into a much larger space as I'm one with nature. I like to think I'm visiting Sequoia National Forest for a moment in time.

Posted 2 years ago #
michaelcoyote
!seabus
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I'll echo the "get outside".. I've found that it's helpful to go outside in the morning, even if it's only for a few minutes. I also like to walk and ride my bike year round, which helps a lot.

If you can actually exercise that's even better as more than a few studies have shown that exercise can reduce depression. I'm not a runner, and I hate being out in the cold, but I did really enjoy lifting weights when I was doing that a few years ago.. I definitely felt (and looked) better, and it was a great winter physical activity that I could do without freezing my ass off.

Posted 2 years ago #
Hael

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colinpperkins wrote >> So, do a lot of other people feel this way? How do you deal with it? Short of going to Florida every few weeks - are there ways that people have found to combat this? Diet? Exercise? Vitamins?
Or am I just a whiny mofo who should just get over it?

get over it mofo! just joking.

i think it is light depravation. during the day, all blinds and curtains wide open to let as much light in as possible. Also, drink a shit load of beer.

Posted 2 years ago #
KSquared
Literally Hell
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Thanks for posting this. I suffer from SAD also, and I'll echo the exercise, get outside and try to get more light suggestions. I also try to make sure I schedule regular time with friends to make sure that I don't spend the entire winter curled up on my couch, wearing pajamas and eating mashed potatoes. I get terrible carbohydrate cravings, which some believe are linked to lower levels of serotonin.

Has anyone had good luck personally with a light box?

Posted 2 years ago #