To see the GP about seasonal depression?

[winterbluesandcosyshoes]

I am at the end of my tether when it comes to winter. I suffer with seasonal depression every year. I am exhausted, I have no motivation to do anything, if I had it my own way I’d either lay in bed from October to April or fly off to some far flung hot destination, but I can’t afford either of those things.

I have tried everything. I take high dose Vitamin D supplements from the end of August, I have a SAD lamp and use it every morning and evening for about two hours a day, I take exercise, eat well, get outdoors wherever possible and make sure my exercise at the weekend is outdoors (for example a 4 hour walk outside). If the sun is out, I make as many excuses as possible to be outside.

Despite all of this, I still struggle. I have had bloods and I’m fine in that department, it’s just the weather.

I don’t know what else to do. I just struggle so much and I don’t see a way out. I feel dread at the thought of it getting darker and darker, and it’s only the start of October. Has anyone actually got help from a GP for this???

Anyone?

Sorry no advice Op but bumping for you.
I know a few who suffer with this, I think it needs looked into the real effects on people because no one should have to suffer 4-5 months every year.

There are meds you can take… bupropion.

I feel the same every year. I am ok until the clock change in October and then I also want to hibernate until the end of March / April.

I use a sad lamp, and like you I get outdoors as much as I can.

I also recommend this book (by no means is it a magic fix, but it’s definitely helped me to try to appreciate slowing down in the winter months, but I still find them miserable)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Winter-Harnessing-Mindset-Embrace/dp/1035006960

Is there a possibility of you going to somewhere warm and sunny over Xmas?
I think it’s the only thing that has helped me.

I have some trips booked and in the past it helps while I’m on the trip, but doesn’t really last. I just find the entire thing so dreary, almost?

I used to suffer badly with this. The biggest change I made was walking in the middle of the day every day. The SAD lamp didn’t have enough of an effect to replace being outside.
I've got mood lifting solar lights in the garden, positive endorphins.
I count down the days from the clock change to the Winter Solstice then focus on noticing the return of the light.
I hate Winter!!

I do all of this and it really does nothing for me

I take this, it helps. It's a dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), so hopefully helps to keep your levels of dopamine and norepinephrine up and therefore helping mood and motivation.

I was really struggling at work to keep my mind on task, and had literally zero motivation. It has definately helped me to focus, complete tasks and start new ones. I'm still not jumping out of bed at 6:30 and cycling 8 miles to work like i used to, but with bupropion & hrt i'm beginning to get some of the old me back. My problem isn't anxiety and depression, so i don't need SSRIs, it's feeling flat and unable to motivate. I used to enjoy high levels of energy and drive, i was constantly trying new things and wanting to go out, so losing that has been really tough.

If you have anxiety and the tendancy to spiral, OCD, eating disorder, or have high blood pressure, this medication is not for you.

Yes, antidepressant started around September time and taper off around Feb time, it does help! I had tried all the other stuff, tbh I think some of it is the length of the days too, like I can be out in the bright light but if it's not past teatime it somehow adds to the sadness! V strange but I completely am there with you. My dad is the same and always has been. I remember when I was younger, before I understood what s.a.d was and just absolutely dreading winters wondering how I was going to get through them whilst feeling this internal real sadness.

Im the same op...its awful isn't it.

It's so hard isn't it OP. I use a SAD lamp and also what helped me is doing a regular hot yoga or Bikram yoga class. That intense heat for 90mins seems to boost my endorphins and tricks my body into thinking it's been somewhere hot and sunny and seems to take the edge off slightly. Also as much time outside as possible no matter how rubbish the weather.

My dad definitely gets it too, it’s so horrible isn’t it? I just hate it.

I get such a terrible sense of dread around September time knowing it's coming. Im working hard to increase my income so we can start having an extra holiday a year during winter time...I think a holiday somewhere warm and sunny during the dark months will help a lot

I used to get this but suddenly they stopped and have been away for five years! The only change what happened was that we got Guinea pigs :)