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Original poster

To ask if anyone else has SAD this year?

30 replies

VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 17/10/2017 20:50

I've been left with annual SAD as an after effect following my recovery from depression around 7 years ago. Every year, usually early November, I have a massive emotional dip with uncontrollable sobbing, extreme exhaustion and anxiety. Then I remember I have SAD and dig out the lamp, get outdoors more and try to get a grip on my sleep and my thoughts...

This year it's already hit!! I only twigged after sobbing for an hour before work at a story of a cat being put down and imagining taking my perfectly healthy cat to the vets for the same. 🙄

Has anyone else's kicked in yet? How do you deal with yours?

OP posts:
sparkli · 17/10/2017 21:37

Me. I hate this time of year. Knew my period was due but couldn't understand why I was so much more hormonal thqn usual. Been very low and weepy. Really must get my lamp out of the attic.

Roll on retirement and a life in a warm, sunny climate!

OSETmum · 17/10/2017 21:42

God yes, I’ve felt horrible this week ☹️

sadiemm2 · 17/10/2017 21:43

Yes, my partner's started early this year.

Glovebug · 17/10/2017 21:45

Yep mine has kicked in already Sad

Undercoverbanana · 17/10/2017 21:47

Not yet but it was very dark this morning and made me feel grim.

christinarossetti · 17/10/2017 21:51

I can feel mine ebbing up and anticipate that it will come on in full force when the clocks go back, as it usually does.

There are non seasonal reasons (anniversaries etc) for mine, although the lack of light saps my reserves in dealing with them.

What light lamps do people recommend? I've never used one before, and I've thought for a while now that it's worth trying.

Best wishes to all.

potatomama · 17/10/2017 21:57

I took vitamin D last winter and it really helped.
I started again last week - definitely that time of year.

HolyShet · 17/10/2017 21:59

Yes very much so.

Been trying to get outside for half an hour before 2 each day. Not always managing it but feel better when I do.

I would like to get a lamp this year as I am working from home more than usual. Not sure what to get though so looking for recommendations.

EasilyDistracted77 · 17/10/2017 22:02

Oh, massive lightbulb moment.

Could this be why I have been feeling so low for the last couple of weeks....? I do suffer mildly with SAD, but it's usually after a long period of that blanket cloud hanging around, and it's been quite nice & bright recently, so I hadn't twigged.

Original poster
VivienneWestwoodsKnickers · 17/10/2017 22:04

Thanks all, so not just me!

I have a Lumie lamp, the Arabica. B you used to be able to buy them refurbished, but that seems to have gone now. Make sure you declare it as a medical device and don't pay VAT.

Great point ref vitamins. Must sort that too.

OP posts:
NurseButtercup · 17/10/2017 22:09

I hated how I felt last year and I don't want to repeat of that. I've noticed a change in my mood over last 2 weeks. I've started taking vitamin b12, vitamin d, Iron tablets. I've also bought one of those clocks that wake you up gradually using different lights. I'll post back in a few days to let you know if the steps I'm taking are improving my mood.

JustKeepDancing · 17/10/2017 22:16

I've noticed the last fortnight I've really struggled, particularly on a morning. Things I'm trying at the moment...

Sleeping with the curtains open (noone overlooks my bedroom!) to maximize the morning light while I can.
Vitamin D tablets.
Lumie light on a morning.
No phone for 1hr before lights out (i am exhausted around sunset then perk up spectacularly around bed and get too anxious to sleep...)
Increasing my fruit and veg - averaging about 7 a day. Cutting down on processed carbs seems to help my sluggishness, so I'm subbing with butternut squash, sweet potato, cauliflower etc.
Embracing comfort on an evening - baths, candles, easy read novels.
Getting out for a walk when I get home from work. Half an hour walking round the block seems to refresh me a bit.
Joining an exercise class on a weekend to get me up early on a Saturday and Sunday morning.

Fingers crossed it helps... I really struggled last year, ended up neglecting myself a bit and it made the depressive element and exhaustion much, much worse.

SheRaaarghPrincessOfPower · 17/10/2017 22:20

Yes yes yes!
Feel a million times better today (despite a streaming cold) because I spent almost all day outside. I get a brief break from it when the clocks changes - I get up early and it's still dark when I leave for work. Dread this time of year.

Do the lamps make a big difference? I've got a lumie which helps loads

phoenix1973 · 17/10/2017 22:23

Yes

tinypop4 · 18/10/2017 07:17

Not me but my Dh gets it badly and is suffering. We have the natural light lamps, he goes out for a jog every day in the daylight and we have booked our summer holiday to give him a warm focus. I feel for you it's really hard on him.

LindyHemming · 18/10/2017 07:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Undercoverbanana · 18/10/2017 08:05

I said up thread that I was ok so far this year, but today it is 8am and barely daylight and it's raining. I'm starting to think about how it will soon be dark when I leave work and how hopeless and pointless it is all going to feel.

Oneanddone · 18/10/2017 08:17

I had this for years and years. 18 months ago I started taking vitamin d and last winter I felt absolutely fine. Hoping for the same this year!

PollyPelargonium52 · 18/10/2017 08:31

Yes I too get SAD which makes me tearful and sleep a whole hour less in winters if I am not careful.

I have been thinking how nice it would be to go to a Greek island for four months every year from this time of year and just head back early March!

Hey ho.

ethelfleda · 18/10/2017 08:43

Yes - me! Mine usually doesn't kick in until January though... I started feeling the familiar feeling of being under a huge black cloud and got my SAD light out. Am actually sitting in front of it now!
I have to say that is all I needed to make me feel better! Last year was the first time I used it - had it for a Christmas present and found it to be very effective! So effective in fact that I'm actually looking forward to autumn/winter this year rather than dreading it.
I find exercise helps a great deal too!

ethelfleda · 18/10/2017 08:46

By the way - the SAD lamp I have is called a 'litepod' and I honestly cannot recommend it enough!

ethelfleda · 18/10/2017 08:47

Sorry for third post in a row but the other stuff that helps me is trying to embrace the seasons as well - looking forward to lighting a fire and making soups and going for autumn walks. I know the 'hygge' thing was kind of fashionable last year but it did make me embrace the winter months - and who better to learn from than the Scandinavians!

citykat · 18/10/2017 08:55

I have a lamp on my desk at work so can get some sun there too. Am hoping a burst of sun (on holiday) next week will help although it may just make the return even worse. Going to get some vit D and I do definitely think knowing what it is helps. Luckily my GP spotted it (I only went to GP once ayear, usually mid November. I had not realised but she saw the pattern). I haven't been at all past2 yearsSmile

PinkyBlunder · 18/10/2017 09:06

Yes me! It started really early last year. Can't tell whether I'm having any effects yet as I'm more than halfway through a difficult pregnancy and I'd imagine that would have a lot to answer for too!

Been looking at lamps (I'll check out the Lumie, thanks!) and also weighted blankets.

overnightangel · 18/10/2017 09:06

Yep.
Started last week, weepy and didn't get out of bed until 2pm on my day off, defo started earlier this year