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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Top tips for SAD please and getting through winter.

61 replies

whatisforteamum · 28/08/2020 20:28

Since I was as 20 I noticed I felt down and lost weight in the winter.I see it as something to endure
.I start off ok thinking this year will be different and positive.Then after my birthday in October boom! Low withdrawn, and just going through the motions.Last yr I bought a SAD lamp and religious ly used it and perhaps it helped a bit.I also started HRT which has helped enormously and my MH has been great all lockdown and I e improved my eating habits.
Please give me your tips for staying happy when it is cold and dark.What has helped you cope?I feel like a different person come spring.

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FirelighterGirl · 28/08/2020 21:14

Hi.

I have the SAD lamp but also the lumie wake up clock. It makes a huge difference. In fact I've set it tonight for the first time since April or so.

It's shite it really is.

FirelighterGirl · 28/08/2020 21:14

Also maybe vitamin D supplements might help.

PhilipJennings · 28/08/2020 21:23

I’m going to watch this thread with interest. Usually for me I start to feel it towards the end of October and can be very wobbly until after February half term (when it’s finally light in the mornings going to work!). Dreading this winter when the isolation will add to it.

Campervan69 · 28/08/2020 21:25

I'm feeling it already. Earlier than usual. I take 5HTP and Vitamin D. Have a sad lamp. Usually have a wwek away October half term but this year's much looked forward to trip to Ibiza has just been cancelled 😞

whatisthenewnormal · 28/08/2020 21:28

Fluoxetine, an anti depressant, worked wonders last year and will keep it up this year

tsmainsqueeze · 28/08/2020 21:34

I think i may have had mild symptoms of sad , for about the last 3 - 4 winters,
Last winter was mild and i felt ok , but for the last couple of years i have started to prepare , i make the house extra cosy with throws , cushions , candles ,as autumn approaches and i always have warm fairy lights up all year.
I work and go out for a walk but try and get chores , shopping etc done around work during daylight, so that i am home and snug when its dark.
sounds a bit twee but it does work for me.

DennyKingsland · 28/08/2020 21:35

Agree with sunrise alarm clock, couldn’t be without mine now, makes really big difference. Also, boring as it is, forcing myself to do cardio at least five days a week, for minimum 30 minutes. It feels like a massive commitment when you start, but I look at it now as an actual life saver through those very, very depressed months.

Ouchy · 28/08/2020 21:35

Great thread - place marking

But my tips are get out/exercise during daylight if you can; exercise in general; make regular ‘you time‘ to look forward to eg hot baths with candles etc if you can. Eat as well as you can but still need to enjoy it. Good box set?

A friend has a Woodburner which is a treat for those cold winter nights

Ethelfleda · 28/08/2020 21:38

My SAD lamp made a HUGE difference to me.
I used to put it on my dressing table and put it on while I did my make up.
Also - if you can, get outside as early in the morning as you can. Doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy or grey - the number of lux (measure of daylight) is still much higher outside than in. Wrap up and have your morning coffee in the garden if you have one.
I read a podcast by Dr Chatterjee on this subject - his series is called ‘feel better live more’ and I’ve read all his books. He has so many tips for living a healthier and happier life - I find him really sincere and motivating. Try his books too.

Exercise helps as well.

Ethelfleda · 28/08/2020 21:41

Just want to add - the steps I took made such a difference that Autumn is now my favourite season. And I can make it to spring with very little dip in mood.

Stannisbaratheonsboxofmatches · 28/08/2020 21:42

Vit D tablets have helped me in the past.

Having things to look forward to helps most!

Stannisbaratheonsboxofmatches · 28/08/2020 21:43

Ethelfleda that all sounds great!

OldSpeclkledHen · 28/08/2020 21:44

Can anyone please recommend a SAD lamp? Think I might need to get one!

Ukholidaysaregreat · 28/08/2020 21:47

Yes get outside every day. Even when it looks a bit rainy out of the window very rarely is it as bad as you think and time outside in the fresh air sets you up for the day.

missyB1 · 28/08/2020 21:50

Following. I really struggle from December to April. I’ve just finished reading Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillar Plan, but I will look for his podcast, I need all the help I can get!
I do think exercise helps a bit though, I swim 3 times a week.

Ethelfleda · 28/08/2020 21:52

@missyB1

Following. I really struggle from December to April. I’ve just finished reading Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillar Plan, but I will look for his podcast, I need all the help I can get! I do think exercise helps a bit though, I swim 3 times a week.
Do try his ‘stress solution’ book too. From memory, that has quite a bit of info on daylight etc. And I think it was more science based although it’s been a while since I read it Smile
missyB1 · 28/08/2020 22:00

Thanks @Ethelfleda I will give that one a go!

mrwalkensir · 28/08/2020 22:03

low carb too

LadyCatStark · 28/08/2020 22:40

A high dose of vitamin D, strong multivitamin and St John’s Wort (unless you’re taking oral contraceptives).

Get outside every day during daylight, eat a healthy diet and exercise as much as you can manage.

Avoid anything to do with ‘hygge’ that’s always recommended on the winter threads on here. Namely; snuggling under blankets, hot chocolate and whole days of watching films. These should be evening activities only and only after physical activity.

whatisforteamum · 28/08/2020 23:00

I meant to add I work 10 am til. 10pm at least so free time and anything fun is difficult.Yes yes to candles cushions and my pets🐈
I can literally feel my batteries running out however fast I try to charge through October.Sometimes by Xmas I feel okish as I'm working and super busy.Things seem difficult that would be simple come the lighter days.My DS has one of those lumiere alarm clocks.

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paddyclampitt · 28/08/2020 23:06

I feel your pain. These arseholes who keep talking about Xmas or how wonderful it is that autumn is coming and they can wear jumpers and boots really piss me off!

I cope by seeing Xmas as something that breaks up the drudgery. Also, 21st December is the shortest day so i do tell myself that even though January is a shitty month, the day gets slightly longer and things are on the up!

PrincessForADay · 28/08/2020 23:22

This has reminded me of a similar thread last year, but by the time I read it it was already winter!

Will be following the advice here, thanks OP

MitziK · 29/08/2020 00:08

Sunrise clock.

SAD light for when you're up/working anywhere with crap light during the day.

Going outside every single day without fail. If it rains, wear a jacket and take an umbrella, but get outside.

Vitamin D.

Lots of vegetables, fewer carbs, lots of oily fish and lean meat if you aren't vegetarian, eggs if you are, high protein pulses if vegan. Oats are also good. And tons of water.

Get moving. Don't stay in bed with the curtains drawn, drag yourself up, windows open, get warm water on your face/body and do something.

If you have exercise to a pleasant place to exercise, take it. It'll make you more likely to sleep well and have the benefit of exercise induced endorphins - they even happen when you hate exercise (they do me). Light weights, swimming, yoga, rowing, whatever it is, you want to keep strong and mobile.

Set a time for the 'end of the day'. Lights down, blue screen filters, no baths in glaring overhead lights, no caffeine after 2pm - this tells your body when it's time to sleep and it's fine to go to sleep early, as long as you get decent sleep and get up in the morning. You're giving your body a noticeable day and clear night, rather than the dreary winter not-really-daytime-at-any-point routine.

Essentially, the most vital thing is routine, routine, routine. Get into one and even though it's hard, you're more likely to do things that help and you'll have more energy and motivation the next day.

Emeraldshamrock · 29/08/2020 01:06

Seasonal prescription of Steraline. Flowers

whatisforteamum · 29/08/2020 09:02

Mitzik I do do those things tbh.Maybe pj day when I'm off as I work 50 hour weeks so I'm shattered.
Emeraldshamrock...really?😊I was described it but was dubious of side effects and getting hooked.Does it help you?

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