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!

Woo hoo @MistyTrains2

Do those lights really work? I have really bright plant lights at 6000 lumins directly in front of me and I'm still fking miserable.

Hi all xx I don't know if I have SAD, although I do feel very low in the winter months and find it much harder to get out of bed in the mornings, so I thought I might join.

I have a sunset/sunrise alarm clock that's supposed to ease me into sleep at night and ease me out of sleep in the morning, it hasn't got rid of the winter blues, but it's better than a nasty sounding alarm to scare the crap out of me 😄

Ooh lovely! I really hope it works for you, MistyTrain. I think mine makes a tiny little bit of difference but I'd rather be in the Bahamas :). This year the winter feels never ending. Sunny thoughts to all

They do help a little.

I've had it on for 3 hours 😂 I think it's only meant for 10-15 minutes so I may have trouble sleeping later.

My 6 boxes of vitamin D spray also arrived. I was so excited.

I have a Lumie clock too. My problem is that I go to bed so late. The Lumie clock starts to wake you up with gradual light, so while you wake up less moody, it makes the last half hour of sleep more light. I ideally need to be in bed for an extra half hour basically.

I decided I'm going to start a short course of CBT as I have got right out of the routine of everything. I don't want to go on anti depressants if this will lift with more exercise and better diet and less stress.

Being on this thread is nice - I don't feel so alone. Thank you all for being so lovely. Can anyone recommend a lamp, maybe post a link? I have looked in the past but was overwhelmed by all the options x

I think I'm coming back to life.

I can feel my immune system working. I'm on immuno suppressants for something else so it was low anyway. But energy is happening.

I bought this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01515Y3T2?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Good quality. There are other options where you can adjust the brightness, worth looking at. I had a cheaper one but it broke immediately .

The above is in John Lewis which I always think is a good sign.

Hello all.
Spotted this thread and thought I'd jump on. I got a SAD lamp a few weeks ago and was so surprised at just how dazzlingly bright it was. I used it for about 10 minutes and could feel it doing weird things to my eyes. Had a migraine the next day and I'm too scared to try it again! Has anyone else had this?
Beyond that I'm trying to get out for a walk which isn't too bad when it's bright and cold but the damp days are tough.
Hanging in there for 21 December....

Maybe just have it to the side not in front? I have mine at the side. Otherwise I think you get used to it. Essentially you are flooding your system so it can produce a histamine like response. For migraine I find something like Sudafed helps as it is decongestant.

I think I probably suffer from SAD too. I absolutely loathe this time of year and I think November and December should just be banned.

I find the time between when the clocks go back and the shortest day is just horrendous but once that has passed I start to feel better because I can then see ahead. I didn't realise other people also feel the same about 21st December so you are definitely my kind of folk.

Every year is bad but this year is even worse because both my knees have packed up and I'm stuck upstairs in my bedroom as I can't manage to get down the stairs. I've got meds from my GP and I'm hoping to start seeing an improvement soon but I am so bored and fed up.

November and December are in the wrong place, technically. Julius and Augustus added July and August and thus pushed the rest of the months down.

I can’t remember what brand my SAD lamp is but it just came from Amazon and it does help. I also have it off to the side of me and on the lowest setting but I leave it on for hours 😂. It’s been getting a lot of interest in the office.

Yesterday I remembered to take my multivitamin and extra vitamin D and I have felt a bit better, I’m just rubbish at remembering to take them! I had a lovely, frosty, sunny walk with the dog this morning too which helped and the frozen ground meant no muddy paws! He wasn’t cold in the slightest and he found the frost very interesting. He’s a Labrador though so designed for the cold.

@Idratherbepaddleboarding your dog sounds lovely and I do think a forced walk is good. Unfortunately I'm allergic!

No walk for me today. I should have as it's been very bright but it's sooo cold. I actually like being outside (as long as I have enough clothes on) but getting out is hard.

Bit of a hard day here. All the sad lamp talk has made think I should have another look for my missing one or even get a new one. Mine is very old but I haven't used it the last couple of years. I'd like to try one of the wake up clocks so interesting to hear people's experiences. I'm terrible in the mornings at the moment!!

Agree with pp saying Nov and Dec should be banned! I've managed November quite well but December has the added horror of the C word. I try not to say it but the reality of it has really hit me today.

I have super bright lights in my flat on most of the day. In the past I actually used a workman's lamp to brighten up the room. Still use a SAD lamp but super bright light is great.

i didn't walk today either. I don't drive so have to walk most days anyway. But today was bitter.

edit - SAD lamp users with problems - you're not too close to it by any chance? I have it to the side as well.

Yeah I think the thing with SAD lamps as well is you have to use them from Septmember really. I waited too long and while the blanket of doom has gone, my thought processes are utterly depressed and once they are in that cycle it is harder to break. Also it depends if I had a very stressful summer then SAD is worse. I'm going to hold off anti depressants for 2-3 weeks and see where I am at. There is Christmas and all the disruption to routine that brings.

God then we are into the dead months! However in previous times I quite like those as I keep myself amused with an exercise routine so that as soon as the first bit of warmth comes out I am bursting with joy for it 🤣

Ps thank God for this thread, will remember to check for it next year.

Or, we should start the SAD Prevention Thread on 1st September 🤣😆😓😂

All those in favour say 'Aye!' I'm not even joking, it's a very good idea. Should have a thread for SAD every year.

Aye!

I find my experience of Jan and Feb depends more on the weather. I hate snow, can't walk on slippery pavements etc.

I think I started using my SAD lamp in October.

I've been more productive today. Really need to get back into exercise though.

feels like a loooong slog to the shortest day.

Another depression sufferer here with added SAD in the wintertime. From the beginning of October I start using the SAD light for an hour a day when I get up. I also start the high dose Vitamin D in October too.

I didn't get out of bed till after 5pm yesterday.

We’ve had one for a couple of years now but I agree it should start earlier in preparation. People tend to drift off in spring, which is good as they must be feeling better.

Yesterday was so dark and horrid and I didn't leave the office. I put up with giggles from colleagues and had the SAD lamp on (to my side) all day and I swear it helped. Today I can see hints of brightness on a very cold day so a walk might well be order. Got to get any dregs if bright sun while I can. But first it's time to knock back the vitamin d tablets - another tiny little help.

Can I join please. I absolutely hate the winter. A couple of years ago I took a load of supplements identified for me by a specialist women's nutritionist and it really helped.
I have a sad lamp I've never used. I'm diagnosed adhd and just remembering to use it - and take the supplements - is too much for my exec function it seems.

@anythinginapinch of course! Welcome 👋.

It’s freezing but bright and sunny here so just got back from a lovely dog walk in the frost and having a green tea.

I am also terrible at remembering to take my vitamins 🙈. In fact, I’ll go and do it now.

Has anyone got snow?