S.A.D - Seasonal Affective Disorder

PartyGirlUK · #1 03-07-2007, 05:40 PM

Ive suffered from depression for about 10 years, and it always gets worse in the winter. Id hoped to live in a sunny climate, but as it seems likely Im gonna spend the next 5 years in Chicago, Im looking to take preventative measures to try and minimise the pain. Generic anti-depression stuff like exercise, keeping myself busy I will attempt. Having a good group of friends, hopefully a gf etc. will also help. But Id like specific advice from anyone on how to stop feeling gloomy when its 18:00 and already pitch black, or when its practically impossible to go out of your house.

Thanks a lot,

D

emon87 · #2 03-07-2007, 05:42 PM

This is your first winter in chicago right? It's been waaay worse than normal. Last year it was sunny (although cold) all the time.

Also, get a grow lamp for your house

Shadowrun · #3 03-07-2007, 05:45 PM

chicago was actually pretty good till february but it should warm up soon dont worry.

you should see some sox/cubs games

Dids · #4 03-07-2007, 05:47 PM

Dean,

My sister has this.

1- they make lights to help combat SAD

2- drugs

3- she just kinda accepts that winter will be less awesome.

IggyWH · #5 03-07-2007, 07:10 PM

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3- she just kinda accepts that winter will be less awesome.

[/ QUOTE ]

IMO, this is all you can really do. Don't harp on it or else it'll bring you down even more. Try to be as active and social as you possibly can.

It's almost painful to get myself motivated at times to go out on the weekends during the winter. Once you do it though, you feel much better and it gets easier the more you do it.

I definitely have SAD, which is definitely a big reason why I'm moving to San Diego. I'm not sure I can make it through another Pittsburgh winter without driving myself insane.

KRANTZ · #6 03-07-2007, 07:16 PM

dean,

clean your apartment. spend some money on some decorative stuff/more lights. i guarantee you you will be at least a little bit happier when everything is clean, comfortable and a bit homier.

PartyGirlUK · #7 03-07-2007, 05:53 PM

[ QUOTE ]
chicago was actually pretty good till february but it should warm up soon dont worry.

[/ QUOTE ]

Right - until the end of Jan I really couldnt understand why everyone had told me 'You're going to Chicago? Watch out for the winter - it's really rough'!

Then Feb hit and I realised 'Oh boyyyyyyyyyyyy'

PartyGirlUK · #8 03-07-2007, 05:54 PM

Re. drugs - I went to see a psychologist in London last week and he suggested I start antidepressants at the end of fall, say October, and take them until April - this seems wise and Im probably going to do it.

D

NLSoldier · #9 03-07-2007, 06:01 PM

moving to SD to make a documentary about me seems like the obvious cure.

Brian707 · #10 03-07-2007, 06:09 PM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

Right - until the end of Jan I really couldnt understand why everyone had told me 'You're going to Chicago? Watch out for the winter - it's really rough'!

Then Feb hit and I realised 'Oh boyyyyyyyyyyyy'

[/ QUOTE ]

The winters for the last 10 years or so have been mild until this winter. From late Jan til late Feb it never got above 32. Looks like 50's by next week though so its almost over. The summers are the best around here so Im sure you will enjoy it, it falls on a weekend this year!