seasonal affective depression / disorder

[PineappleDanish]

Anyone else really struggling?

For the first time ever last December I was prescribed anti depressants after breaking down in tears on my lovely GP. Anxious about everything. Not sleeping. Bleak feelings. Constant thoughts about how I'm more than half way through my life, it's only going to get worse from here on in, apathy, lack of interest in everything. I did take the tablets for a while but find that when January comes and the nights get shorter again things everything starts to feel more positive.

I can feel myself starting the slide again. I'm struggling with the grey, dark days and the perma-gloom. Today where I am is foggy and dull and will be all day. I am trying to do what I can with my light box, high dose vit D and forcing myself out for a walk but it's hard. I don't want to feel this way every November and December.

It's like a Dementor is living in my house and sucking the joy out of everything.

That sounds very hard.

Maybe go back to your GP?

Try and do some of the things you mention,even if you don't want to.

When I was having a really hard time ,I used to take really baby steps eg rather than think 'get up and have a shower' I would think sit up,swing your legs out of bed,put your slippers on etc

Can you talk to your partner,close friend,sister?

Look after yourself

Also could you be peri menopausal .Apologies if you are 25!

No I'm definitely either peri or fully menopausal! I'm 47 and had a hysterectomy with conservation of ovaries 3 years ago.

I'm feeling a bit better this afternoon, forced myself out for a walk this morning and even though I really didn't want to go, felt better for it.

Please please keep going with the SAD light box. It really lifts my mood when I feel the blanket of doom coming. Getting out for a daily walk first thing in the morning as you say when the limited daylight is strongest too. Never forget there will be a sunnier day round the corner.

I don't like the cold and dark days currently. Walking each day and good nutrition do help. Only about 5 weeks till the winter soltice and days get longer again.