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SAD - need help

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Posted 12/28/2010 4:55 AM (GMT -8)
It has been very cold, dark, gray and dreary here in MI for the past 2 weeks and I know my SAD is kicking in. Christmas was horrible.....I just felt like staying home and crying. I took a Klonopin to get me out of my bad thinking and it helped a little but I can't take it everyday. I have a light box for SAD, but it is only helping marginally. Short of starting anti-depressant's, is there anything else that I can do or take to help combat this depression??? I don't feel I need anti's because on sunny days I am fine and the sun "recharges" my batteries so to speak. But these two weeks of no sun is really really dragging me down....and winter has only just begun here - what am I do until April/May???
Posted 12/28/2010 5:28 AM (GMT -8)
I am in Michigan too, so I know what you are going through. Though it is cloudy, it isn't that cold. Could you get out and walk some? That always helps me. I had a light box too. It did help me. But it got broken and now my ins doesn't cover them.

The best thing that I can tell you is exercise and walking. Especially if you don't want to take anti depressants. There is a mood stabilizer called abilify. Maybe you could take that just when it is dreary. It works faster than antidepressants. I take it with antidepressants and my depression has been in remissoin for awhile. Risperdol also is a mood stabilizer as abilify is expensive.

Try putting on some of your favorite music and dance around the house for awhile. If it doesn't help me, it at least gives me a good laugh. lol... That helps. Call friends, try to get out. I have a habit of becoming a hermit in the winter. It is hard for me to get out with the fibromyalgia. I am aching bad today with the new front coming in.

I hope that you feel better soon. Others will be along with suggestions.

Starting a new project might help. Meditaion, yoga etc. Love yourself. That helps a lot.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 12/28/2010 5:54 AM (GMT -8)
Unfortunately I have to stay out of the cold weather because of my Raynaud's (prolonged cold weather exposure - anything over 15 minutes makes my feet and fingers numb regardless how much I bundle up) but I can try your other suggestions.....thanks Karen.
Posted 12/28/2010 6:58 AM (GMT -8)
i know im an idiot but what is SAD
Posted 12/28/2010 7:11 AM (GMT -8)
Seasonal Defective Disorder, I think.

Hugs, Karen

PS It comes from lack of sunshine.
Posted 12/28/2010 7:15 AM (GMT -8)
ok sorry i dont understand some things i guess
Posted 12/28/2010 7:41 AM (GMT -8)
hi red34,

I dont know if this will work but try increasing your intake of vitamin D and calcium and eat plenty of fruit and veg and meats such as fish. Also try to take up walking with friends, which will increase serotonin levels that help fight depression off.

Hope this helps.

many hugs, arielle.
Posted 12/28/2010 7:58 AM (GMT -8)
SAD is short for Seasonal Affective Disorder. It's where the lack of sunshine decreases the melatonin and serotonin in the brain and affects the circadian rhythm which regulates our sleep patterns. It causes the "winter blues" that can lead to serious depressive states.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/seasonal-affective-disorder/DS00195

I've had SAD for many years, some years are worse then others and this year seems to be one of the bad ones.

I know I don't get enough vitamins and minerals in my diet because of my other health conditions so maybe this is contributing to my mood.

I will look into the food sensitivities. Actually I have been suspecting Celiac but the symptoms come and go which makes me doubt it. Because if one had a gluten sensitivity wouldn't symptoms occur all the time when gluten is consumed?
Posted 12/28/2010 8:13 AM (GMT -8)
I think you are right about that Sherry. about the gluten. And the fact that this only effects you when there isn't any sun. I like the idea of vitamin D. I take vitamin D3. I think that means that it is cholicalciflora. Something like that. I hope that you feel better soon.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 12/28/2010 3:14 PM (GMT -8)
Karen speaks volumns when it comes to exersize. I have depression all year and that is how I deal with it. Helping someone else is a great pick-me-up too.

My psychiatrist told me once after I asked him 'how long before the drugs work?' He answered 'The drugs can only stabilize the chemicals within your brain. You have to make you better.' So true...

Another thing that can't help but make you smile is the Ellen Show. She will get you up dancing and make you laugh and feel a part of the outside world. Give her a try, and have a great new year!

Posted 12/28/2010 3:36 PM (GMT -8)
Good Afternoon Sherry,

It is winter in MN too.  I am sorry to know you have SAD. 

What can be done to ease symptoms of SAD? The same sorts of steps that can be helpful for other forms of depression often seem to help in cases of SAD. Regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, spending time with friends and family, getting enough sleep, and avoiding excessive drinking can all provide some measure of relief.

If you bundle up like Nook of the North can you try spending time outdoors as soon as possible after rising. Even on a cloudy day, 15 to 30 minutes of outdoor light might be enough to reset your body's time clock and boost your mood. Indoor lighting just isn't bright enough. I have Raynaud's and my Dr. made me wear gloves inside my heavy mittens. 

If you think you might have celiac disease, discuss the possibility with your doctor. Blood tests and a biopsy of your small intestine -- the gold standard for diagnosing celiac disease -- can reveal whether you have the disease. Already having UC it may be hard to know what is causing your sx without a biopsy.

Keep on talking with us and let us try to keep you feeling better.

Gentle  Hugs,

Kitt
Posted 12/28/2010 3:54 PM (GMT -8)
Stoneychild,

Welcome to the depression forum. Please feel free, if you would like to, to start a thread of your own as an introduction thread. That way the members can get to know you. that is if you feel comfortable with that.

I hope that you keep posting.

Hugs, Karen
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