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How to help MIL - seasonal depression

7 replies

SassyPants87 · 14/10/2022 23:35

MIL goes through seasonal depression and is quite poorly with it. She loses all her appetite, energy and doesn’t want to do anything or go anywhere. We noticed this last year and have kept an eye on her this year and seen her mental health decline as we’ve been coming out of summer

she has been to the docs and they prescribed her anti depressants but she refuses to take them (this also happened last year). She goes through all the side effects and says she doesn’t want to take them even though she’s on other medication for other illnesses that also have side effects but she’s chosen to ignore them. She has said no to therapy and also we bought her a happy lamp to which she said she won’t use it

its like she’s just accepted this is the way things are and this is how she feels and nothing we say or do convinces her otherwise.

I’m currently 39 weeks pregnant also have a toddler so there isn’t much I can do and DH, bro in law and FIL all just get really annoyed at her because she refuses to listen to anyone

How can we help her? And suggestions would be great

OP posts:
SassyPants87 · 15/10/2022 23:38

Just giving this a bump as I would really appreciate any help/suggestions

OP posts:
Eyesopenwideawake · 16/10/2022 13:03

If she doesn't believe anything can help her then there's not a lot you can do. You can say, very matter of factly, that it's a shame she's chosen to suffer when there's so many things that can make her feel better but that it's ultimately up to her. It might sink it, it might not.

Aconitum · 16/10/2022 13:09

Your MIL needs to move to somewhere with a more temperate climate. Tell her to look for a nice little place in Spain for the winter and just go and tell the rest of the intolerant family to f* off. (and you go and visit as soon as baby is old enough).

FlippertyGibberts · 16/10/2022 13:14

Lumie sell medically approved lights that can help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - you don't need to pay tax if it's for a medical reason IIRC. I've got one and really appreciate it during winter.

FlippertyGibberts · 16/10/2022 13:14

Sorry, just read the bit about the lamp.

sashaw87x · 26/10/2022 17:37

There are lots of other ways to try help her overcome SAD more naturally if shes not interested in lamps or antidepressants - ive been doing some research myself so ill link you to a couple articles that i've found helpful. Who knew something as simple as exercise could help as well as what you eat !

brain-feed.com/blogs/the-science/seasonal-affective-disorder-5-scientific-ways-to-stay-happy-this-winter

www.news-medical.net/health/Natural-Remedies-for-Seasonal-Affective-Disorder-(SAD).aspx

www.everydayhealth.com/depression/the-best-foods-to-soothe-seasonal-depression/

PineapplePear · 26/10/2022 17:42

I recommend the lumie lights too, made a huge difference to me. Also vitamin d.

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