2023/24 SAD thread

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

Hi again, I’m back for another year ☹️. I can’t see that anyone has started a SAD thread yet but today seems to be the day that it’s really kicking in! So here’s another thread to support each other through winter 🥶.

Just to introduce myself, I have regular depression with SAD on top, an eating disorder and ASD (a fun combination).

All are welcome, the only rule is no one is allowed to mention, hygge, snuggling or being cosy!

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

Awww it must just be me that’s feeling it already (which is a good thing for everyone else!). It’s so windy here today, I just want to go back to bed 😭.

[lyingonthebeach]

I'm joining you. I've had SAD for years but it is getting worse with menopause. Already this autumn/winter, I've had down days and days when I've gone to bed to hibernate around 2.20 in the afternoon. It's just nice to have some solidarity and support (rather than useless suggestions from chirpy people who claim to 'not mind' the winter and who think I just want a holiday)

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

Ooh hello 👋. I’ve felt super weird all day, sort of emotional but then I realised I forgot to take my sertraline this morning. I’ve had my SAD lamp on in the office all day which caused a lot of interest 😂 and the doctor has upped my sertraline to 100mg instead of 50mg.

It’s a horrible day here and I’m already sick of walking the dog in the dark and cold, I want to be wandering in the fields in shorts and a T-shirt 😭.

[lyingonthebeach]

Hello. I understand. I felt tired and weepy when the 30 minutes of brightness ended today so, as I am WFH, I brought my laptop to bed at 3.30. I can hear kids coming home from school and I am in bed! I hope you have dreams of sunny days and blue skies

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

Haha why not if you can? It’s been bright and sunny here for a few days which helps but it’s soooo cooooold!

[MistyTrains2]

Yes just bought a SAD lamp. It is proper setting in. However, 3 weeks until December 21st!!

[MistyTrains2]

I find it crazy as every year I forget. This year is particularly bad as it was not very sunny this year. I think the forgetting wears me down as much as the SAD. Very sad at the moment haha.

[lyingonthebeach]

I am trying to stop myself from going to bed before 4pm :(

[OrangeDino]

Joining in solidarity! I too am suffering. I do every year but also forget too, then wonder why I feel so dreadful in November.
I have lost my sad lamp (in house move) and struggling to find time (and inclination ) to get outside, which I know would help me.
Really struggling with work as well.

Sending (imaginary) sunshine! 🌞

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

Welcome @OrangeDino , sorry you are struggling too. I’m lucky I have to get out every day with my dog but it’s soooo cold.

I’m really struggling today too, I just want a good cry but I can’t cry at all on sertraline!

[MistyTrains2]

Bought a SAD lamp, it arrived, plugged it in, worked 1 second then fuse went. No longer works. Was really looking forward to it 🤣 Back to feeling depressed while I wait for another.

Ooh a good tip is magnesium glycinate and Epsom salts , they help with anxiety from lack of sunlight.

Pondering a sun bed.

[MistyTrains2]

My previous SAD lamp broke and of course I thought pah I don't need it.

So glad to know am not alone in SAD.

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

@MistyTrains2 ahh that must have been annoying! Hope your new one comes quickly.

I think I do need some magnesium!

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

I thought Epsom salts were for bathing in though? 😂

[OrangeDino]

@Idratherbepaddleboarding I often think that a dog would be very good for getting me out every day. Sorry you're not able to have a good cry on sertraline. Although it can be massively helpful for dealing with the worst of depression, I dislike the flat feeling that comes with it, and I suppose that inability to cry is similar.

I also thought epsom salts were for the bath. I probably need magnesium too. In fact I think I bought some a while ago - must look. I did remember to take vitamin d today - must keep it up.

Hope you get a new SAD lamp sorted quickly @MistyTrains2 .

Today I impulsively stopped for a walk by the river on the way back from the school run. I didn't have long and had the wrong shoes on but it was lovely - bright but very cold. Hopefully it has done me good to get a bit of sunshine and fresh air. I think I was inspired to do something positive by being on this thread!

[MistyTrains2]

It was sunny today. I was out for 5 mins. Stuck in office. I hope my SAD lamp came. I am going to max out on it. I am really low at the moment. I am reacting with mood swings. I am due on Thursday. I have contemplated anti depressants but I think I will see what the SAD lamp and vitamin D do. I can't cry even though I have a lot of sad feelings. I am really just in survive mode. It is ridiculous really the effect it has on me. But give me a week of sunshine, good food, more sleep and I would be a new person. I will be planning my year better next year.

[lyingonthebeach]

Oh MistyTrains2, I so feel for you. I hope the SAD lamp and vit D help, even a teeny bit. I don't know what else to say except that I am with you and send loads of warm, sunny hugs and wishes at this grim, horrid time.

[OrangeDino]

Oh @MistyTrains2 I hope your light has been delivered. I know what you mean about a week of rest , sleep and sunshine - I dream about a holiday somewhere warm and sunny in January every year.

[MistyTrains2]

Thanks. The lamp isn't here but a blanket I ordered arrived.

23 days until winter solstice. This is getting me through.

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

@OrangeDino my dog is literally my saviour! He gets me outside, keeps me warm and comforts me when I’m down 🥰.

It’s been really sunny here for days but my god it’s cold! My raynauds is really playing up this year too due to weight loss ☹️.

Hope everyone has a good day!

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

@MistyTrains2 we went on holiday to Morocco in October half term and I lost my antidepressants for half of the time but I didn’t even feel like I needed them. It makes me sad (no pun intended) that I’m miserable for half of the year just because of weather!

[PinkTeaForMe]

I can't seem to get myself motivated for anything at the moment. It feels like a long and difficult winter already. Last year we went away at Christmas and it made me feel like a different person. This year I feel like there is absolutely nothing to look forward to and I'm finding it difficult to function on a day to day basis.

[Idratherbepaddleboarding]

Welcome @PinkTeaForMe I’m sorry you feel like that. I know what you mean, November has gone on forever and it does feel like there’s nothing to look forward to, just endless bills ☹️.

[MistyTrains2]

Guys guys guys.

The lamp arrived. Gonna eat lunch and try it. I have super high hopes for this 😂😂😂

[MistyTrains2]

Sat in front of it pretending I am in the Bahamas.