winter again

[Evanna]

I dont know what its like where you guys are but here in the UK its the start of winter. With the dark nights and cold days come the winter blues.

I can feel the fight not to slip into overwhelming depression starting already. The struggle to get out of bed before my son comes home from school, to attend to basic hygeine, to the house, to be with my family, the 1st thought of the day 'i wish i was dead'.

What is it with winter? Is this just winter blues or is it depression? Is it normal? I know its normal for me cos its been this way for as far back as i can remember. Tbh, i struggle a little in summer too but its better enough for me to convince myself each time that i am finally recovering from whatever it is that i struggle with. Then bang, winter again and it the same as the winter before.

Maybe this winter will be different. Perhaps i am getting ahead of myself a little here. Its only October and i am already in Febuary. :arg:

[MootPoint]

SAD..... seasonal affective disorder. Means as the days shorten, one will experience more depression.

I don't seem to be affected by SAD...... my depression is an equal opportunity destroyer

I know that some ppl who are affected by SAD use light therapy. There are special lamps designed to produce the proper light to help with SAD.

Having the first thought of your day "I wish I were dead' cries out to me... doctor! Are you seeing a psychiatrist? I bet that appropriate meds could help with seasonal disorders.

Keep coming here and posting! It really helps.

Good luck, Evanna!

[Evanna]

Thanks for reply Moot.

Could be the light thing, i'm not sure. Sometimes i think i am just better at ignoring how i feel in summer. Havent spoken to a psychatrist or been on meds. I think about it every year though but thats as far as it ever gets. Fear of anyone else interfering in my life and my body i think. Never been very good at the handing over bit.

[cleeps]

I have bipolar disorder and was seriously affected by SAD... until I got a special full spectrum lamp. I use it every day now that the days are getting shorter, and more often when there is a streak of grey days.

Any psychiatrist should be able to tell you where to get a good light near you. They are a bit expensive initially, but the bulbs last a very very very long time and the investment is worth it.

I still find some days tough (especially this time of year), but this lamp helps so much. I'd say a 100% improvement since I've started using it! Plus, make sure to get some exercise on the bad days (even a 15 minute walk), no matter how awful you feel.

Hope you feel beeter soon

[Evanna]

Cheers Cleeps. Will definitely look into light. You are so right about the exercise too. I find that if i can force myself to take a walk (esp., early on in the day) it really helps stop my head getting a hold. Going to enrol in the local gym too. Determined that this stops here and that you are right there are things i can do about this.