New member-reverse seasonal affective

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oohlalucia
New Member


Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 3
 		   Posted 7/21/2005 11:27 AM (GMT -6)   
 
I am going through a particularly bad patch just now, and wearing my nondepressed friends out with my "whining," so I thought I'd better post here. I am 35, and I've been struggling with depression since I was 9. Of course back when it started depression was not understood even as well as it is now, so I had to deal with being considered difficult on top of coping with the disease.
 
 
I suffer from summer seasonal affective disorder, which means that while everyone else is delighting in the sun and fun my depression doubles in intensity. We are having a heatwave where I live (it's been going on for two weeks), and I am in a very bad way. I take Prozac for the depression, Ambien for insomnia, and Xanax for occasional panic attacks. I can sometimes control the depression with exercise (walking and yoga), but since it got so hot I can't bring myself to do it. I am a freelancer, so I need to be very self-motivated, and right now it's simply not happening. Case in point: I've been trawling the internet for depression resources instead of working.  Anyone have advice for keeping on track during an episode?
 
 
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oohlalucia
New Member


Date Joined Jul 2005
Total Posts : 3
 		   Posted 7/21/2005 2:01 PM (GMT -6)   
Dear Scaredy,

I've thought of the mall-walking thing. Malls kind of make me angry, so I try to avoid them. There is always the gym. I keep canceling my membership, thinking "I can walk for free," and then it gets hot or rainy, and I wish I'd stayed with the gym after all. I've often thought I should have a dog, both for the companionship and to force me to walk no matter the weather. But we already have quite a few pets, and my husband doesn't want another animal in the house. I hear we are to get better weather next week, so I ought to be able to get back on track.

Thanks for the encouragement! It is helpful to know I am not alone.

La Lucia
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AlwaysRosie
Veteran Member


Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 8616
 		   Posted 7/21/2005 6:45 PM (GMT -6)   
Hi La Lucia,

I relate too to the difficulty walking in the heat. I have been going in the evening when at least the sun isn't beating on me. (BTW the sun makes me ill so I do have to avoid it or cover up completely to be in it).

Do you like to dance? Is your home air conditioned? I used to walk up and down the three flights of stairs at work when it was hot. That will give you a good workout too . . . and it is in air conditioned place which is no driving involved.

Swimming also comes to mind.

I hope you get lots of answers with some good suggestions!!

Blessings!
In His Grip,
AlwaysRosie          "We can't control the waves, but we can learn to surf!"
Psalms 139
UCTD (Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease), Hashimoto's, Plantar Fasciitis, Inflamatory Arthritis, High BP, GI Inflamation, Diverticuloses
Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Metanx, Synthroid, RX Motrin, Lexapro, Amitriptelyne, Salagen, Lotrel

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CheerDad
Veteran Member


Date Joined Apr 2004
Total Posts : 2284
 		   Posted 7/22/2005 10:17 AM (GMT -6)   
I too can understand the lack of walking in the heat. I live in Phoenix and it has been 114-118 for the past 3 weeks. I wish I had an answer for you. I find that my depression has become and excuse not to exercise. I am too tired or I didn't sleep well the night before (I too suffer from onset insomnia), or a myriad of other things. The best thing I did was start walking with a friend each night. It is much more difficult to make excuses when I have committed to be there with someone else. Good luck and hope you find the answers you are looking for.
We can respond to irritation with a smile instead of scowl, or by giving warm praise instead of icy indifference. By our being understanding instead of abrupt, others, in turn, may decide to hold on a little longer rather than to give way. Love, patience, and meekness can be just as contagious as rudeness and crudeness.
 
Randy
 
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Red09
Regular Member


Date Joined Dec 2003
Total Posts : 424
 		   Posted 7/22/2005 7:24 PM (GMT -6)   
The extreme cold and extreme heat affects everybody, but even more so with people who suffer from depression and/or anxiety disorders. I have anxiety and I do find this heat makes it worse. I don't feel well, I feel very drained and can't motivate myself to do much.

When I start feeling that way I just MAKE myself DO something. Whether it be cleaning up or laundry, watching TV or talking on the phone, or posting about how I feel - It helps. Distraction is a huge plus!!

Do some meditation and positive thinking. It works and is good for the mind, keeps you thinking better thoughts.

I get SAD in the winter, not in the summer. I know how crappy you feel.

Hang in there! It will get better.

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