[historyteach]

A thought just came to me. And I'd like your opinions, if there are any out there, on this idea.

I've noticed for the last three years that this time of year my depression is high. I know I have Seasonal Affective Disorder. (SAD)

And this year, in New England, we had an early, harsh winter.
On top of that, I was not allowed to exercise due to a physical problem. I've used exercise to help keep depression at bay and it helps.
Furthermore, I was dealing with a hostile work environment and the worst administrator I've had in my 23 year career as a teacher. Then, I was involuntarily transfered because of him, causing more stress.

So, for the first time in MANY years, I went back to the pdoc due to a return of depression that needed treatment. In the past, exercise, meditation, imagry, prayer and such allowed me to get by without meds. Not this year.

You all know this stuff. Now, here's the heart of the matter.

It's been long known that the coming of spring can cause mania in bipolar people. Well, I'm thinking that there is an area that's been overlooked in the psych community. The deepening of depression in or right before the springtime, due to cumulative effects of the winter season and all that entails. (lack of sunlight; hibernating; high carb eating...)

How many of you with depression feel worse at the end of winter? I ask, because I was just talking to others who said the same thing.

Any thoughts?
Ped, if you're out there, have you seen any literature on this stuff?

Shalom!