Seasonal Depression.

[FLAME]

Does anyone feel <font color="blue"> blue </font> now that it's getting dark a lot earlier?

I heard that this is called seasonal depression. I've always felt this way since living here in the U.S.
I wonder if it's because I'm originally from the tropics?

 

[ChocoKitty]

Happens to me real bad 'round Christmas with the snow and all. I just want to sleep most of the time.

 

[aqualung]

I was a little down earlier this month because of the growing darkness, my boyfriend's absence, and holdups in my dissertation work. It was that "blah" feeling, like none of my efforts were having any effect. The toughest part was getting out of bed each day. I feel a lot better now.

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday. We'll get an hour more daylight each day.

Have you considered Prozac or Zoloft or Paxil? (I'm not kidding.) I read that book "Prozac Nation." The author, Elizabeth Wurtzel, had rather severe seasonal affective disorder. Prozac helped to stabilize it.

 

[debyjay]

Happens to me every year like clock work. I read in a magazine that simply going outside in the sunlight and having the sun shine on your face helps. So that's what I've been doing for the past couple of years and it has helped a lot. I am not a smoker so I take smokeless breaks. The combinatation of the fresh air and the sunlight does wonders for my mood. I do it twice a day during my work day at 11 AM and at 3PM. try it.

 

[Nyambura]

[ QUOTE ]
megonw said:
I was a little down earlier this month because of the growing darkness, my boyfriend's absence, and holdups in my dissertation work. It was that "blah" feeling, like none of my efforts were having any effect. The toughest part was getting out of bed each day. I feel a lot better now.

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday. We'll get an hour more daylight each day.

Have you considered Prozac or Zoloft or Paxil? (I'm not kidding.) I read that book "Prozac Nation." The author, Elizabeth Wurtzel, had rather severe seasonal affective disorder. Prozac helped to stabilize it.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's an excellent suggestion, Megon!

There are companies that also make sun lamps that can be used to treat S.A.D.

 

[nijilah]

The cold and dark make me want to sleep all day and night. I hate getting up and it is dark and then leaving work and it is still dark!

 

[Nyambura]

 

[CocoaButterflyy]

Seasonal depression happens to alot of us... all I want to do is sleep, and it doesn't help where I'm living right now. I may have to invest in one of those sunlamps. Thanks for the info

 

[localhost]

I have S.A.D. too, and it hasn't affected me yet this Fall, but I'm expecting it to hit after the time change this Sunday. Then it'll be game-over and lights out for me. It really impairs my life! Once I get home from work/school, I can't get jack done! Are zoloft and paxil available OTC?

 

[jellynote]

I have it too because I'm overseas which means I'm away from my family and some of my friends, but its mainly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Having my husband and children helps a lot though.

 

[aqualung]

[ QUOTE ]
SweetPea said:
Are zoloft and paxil available OTC?

[/ QUOTE ]

No, but therapists prescribe them fairly readily for "normal" people who are dealing with a specific problem. A friend needed it for a while after a sudden devastating divorce, and another in NYC to deal with 9/11/2001. It doesn't "make" you happy, but it keeps you from being controlled/impaired by a low mood.

 

[perfectpeace]

There's also St. John's Whort? It is supposed to be a nonprescription herbal alternative to Prozac and is good for combating seasonal depression. Also Kava Kava, is another herb that is very popular in the Somoan Islands for calming your nerves. These can be bought at any drug store or grocery store where vitamins are sold. . .

perfect peace

 

[Nyambura]

You're welcome, CocoaButterflyy.

I love the sketch of the butterfly in your signature.

 

[nekee]

i love it when it starts to get darker earlier, i know its coming around to christmas

 

[localhost]

Thanks Megon and PerfectPeace for the info. I think that I'll try to manage it on my own this year by planning activities and outtings in the evening and turning on all the lights in the house. I remember I was unable to stay up past 7 pm last year... Wish me luck!

 

[Islandgirl]

girl, i feel you on that note, i'm from the tropics too. i find the winter to be so depressing, barren, cold, awful, lol.

 

[mly3e]

I get VEEEEEEERRRRRYYYY depressed around this time. It will last for me until spring. Every year is the same.