Anyone with SAD feel the darkness creeping in yet

[whatisforteamum]

Always get down in the winter with severe depression Dec to Feb.
With the cooler summer I feel sluggish and drained already.
Getting autumn ready with new clothes ,cosy fleeces and candles.
What are you doing to combat the darkness.?

I've noticed the darkness creeping in already. I really struggle by the end of January so this year I've bought a SAD lamp.

Can anyone advise me how best to use it please?

I really struggle at this transitional time. I’m ok once we get into autumn with the lovely tree colours etc but then there’s the thick of winter and it’s just so bleak and relentless where I live.
going to a warm sunny place like southern Spain or the Canaries around Christmas really helps me. It breaks up the gloomy months and fills up my internal light.

I get really severe depression from October to the end of Feb every year. I'm allergic to every medication I've tried (serious skin allergy) so that's not an option.

I've tried a lightbox on and off for 15+ years with no benefit.

However, I recently moved house next to a park, so I'm planning to go a walk every morning before work or at lunch to get daylight. I work fully remotely so this should be possible.

Also, despite my family history of skin cancer... I'm considering sun beds once a month?

My depression peaks at Christmas and New Year. I always hate them and ending up staying in bed crying for days last year, ruining plans.

So I guess I'm preparing for spring instead. Recently started a diet (already slim but for health), walking a lot more, started using my home exercise bike and I'm painting my garden in beachy, summery pastels.

Aiming to garden and volunteer in winter. Basically kill time and get through it.

I am lucky I live by the sea so I no need a sad lamp at home as do no need the lights on until it is actually dark

i have a cheap sad lamp from Amazon I use at work. I put it on when I get in and it is directed to my face just from the side

I turn it off once it gets light enough to work by natural light

i start work early at approx 5/6am I first did get the lamp a couple of years ago. I am not sure if it has made a difference but it is certain no making it worse so I will carry on with it this year soon I guess

Hi
Are sun beds supposed to helps?
I also have family history of skin cancer and have been told absolutely to never do this but I am getting desperate

I’m very stressed at the moment anyway and already in antidepressants so I don’t know if it’s that or the darkening nights. My SAD doesn’t usually set in until the clocks go back but lasts until they go forward so half of the year! I have a SAD lamp and take a lot of vitamin D which helps somewhat as well as lots of exercise and dog walking.

I despise the autumn and winter months. I find no joy in snuggling under a bloody blanket with twinkly lights on drinking hot chocolate. I have a sad lamp and take vitamin B12 as well as vitamin D, I get myself out walking every day and go to the gym 5 times a week (exercise makes me feel much better). Once the shortest day is over I count down to when the nights start getting longer again.

I use mine in the morning and around 3/4pm on the shortest days, I find that if I use it later I can’t sleep.

I set my alarm between the equinoxes to make sure I haul my arse out of bed and see maximum sunlight.

I'm with u all the way on this I love winter I like to go on nice walks and then come home to a nice hot chocolate and cozy blanket with the kids x

Yes my SAD alarm clock is a Lumie for those that asked

I'll find out exactly which one..

It gradually lights up starting half an hour before the alarm goes off and gradually gets brighter like the sun coming up

I should have bought one years ago

Meh.

ive actually had a diagnosis of SAD which weirdly made me feel better - some options offered but it was a while ago, I need to review. I’ve done/tried the whole list!

my DM also has this. Last autumn we booked to
take the kids away to somewhere warm and sunny in October. We did this. Planning helped, but when we got back I plummeted. 10 days after getting home I was tearful, feeling gloomy, generally nasty.

we are off again this Oct and hoping I don’t feel the same gloom! I fear it is inevitable.
I am a ready feeling the ‘creep’ of needing more sleep.

www.boots.com/lumie-sunrise-alarm-10256821

It takes a bit of setting up but I eventually got there

I don't actually use the alarm function, I just use it for the sunrise effect

You can also choose things like the sound of birdsong or kittens purring but again I don't use that option

Shop around as you may find it cheaper

HTH

Thank you @HennyPenny1234

Yes, my Lumie alarm helps so much with SAD. I wouldn't be without it.

What helped me was having an outdoor activity

Getting winter sun makes all the difference but I have only ever managed that once.

I have however booked a weekend away by the sea in December and that is something to look forward to. I think that'll help.

I always feel much more cheerful once Christmas is out of the way.

@JoeLovesGina They come with instructions. I didn't read them and bought mine one lunchtime - had it on for 5 hours and was high as a kite that evening! Didn't sleep till 2am! Apparently you are supposed to use them for 90 minutes a day! (At least it proved it worked!

I remember someone on here whose ancient cat used to turn into a kitten on speed when she had her lamp on!

I just have mine on whilst I am working. No need to point it at you - in fact mines too bright too have near me so I just angle it away and let lovely light bounce around the room.

You can also buy SAD light bulbs, these work for me but may not work for everyone. I have them in our greenhouse for when I’m pottering out there.

I’m going on holiday, either at the end of the month or October half term. It’s good for my mental ( and physical) health to know that not everywhere is grey, damp and obsessed with buying crap for three days in December.

I have also enjoyed looking forward to going to Barcelona the week before Christmas. It’s cold and dark but not as bad and the Christmas lights are on. They celebrate in January and you get all the Christmas cheer without the nuts commercialism of the U.K.

Ooh sad light bulbs I will look up.
My Sad light was depressing I may get a Lumia alarm as it has a lovely glow.
I get up 440 am anyway so put my cream coloured faìry lights on which give a warm glow.

Yes, I feel the bleakness starting. May ask my GP to put me back on sertraline, see if that helps. I have a SAD light and I take vitamin D, but neither seems to help.

As soon as the clocks go forward, my mood lifts.

I'm the opposite. I love Christmas, so I cope whilst I have that to look forward to and plan, but once it's over the depression properly kicks in. I've felt borderline suicidal during January and February the last couple of years.