long time no post

[ruralite]

Its been quite a while since I posted on here , mostly using SANE forum. Forgotten how to get started. Just asking ,has anyone experienced SADS yet. Its been much colder here in SA in the last week or so, woke up this morning feeling very depressed and weepy and immediately thought Winter Depression,to me it seems a bit early,just wanted to know am I the only one,or are others starting to feel it. Intend to get myself out in the sun today as long as possible ,rain on the way. Regards Ruralite

[That Other Guy]

Is there any evidence this is real? It's an interesting theory. I think if you're suffering from persistent depression of any sort you should talk to a doctor.

[Beeee]

Hello ruralite,

Welcome back!

I understand how you feel, it's been quite rainy recently where I live as well and it is sometimes hard to find motivation in such gloomy weather. Getting in as much sun as you can is a great idea, light therapy has been shown to help improve mood. Some other great things to do on days that it's not sunny is get in some exercise or plan activities with friends. I even bought myself a sunset lamp during lockdown last winter to bring some extra light into the home.

However, if you do find it increasingly difficult to improve your mood, definitely have a talk with you GP about getting a referral to a psychologist.

Wishing you some sunlight,

Beeee

[ruralite]

Bought myself a Re-Timer therapy light last winter,had forgotten all about it until you reminded me when you said about your sunset lamp. Will get it out and start using it when I get up in the morning.Thank you Beeee. I am very susceptable to SADs get it 2to3 times during winter,every year. Sun is the best thing out ,but if it is wet or overcast you need to find other methods,such as leaving a light on in one room all day. Thank you..Regards .Ruralite

[geoff]

Hello Ruralite, it's always good for people to return to this site, because people may have a different perspective and say things differently to others.

I'm sorry you suffer from SADS as I have atrial fibrillation, but can't compare them, as I'm not qualified to do so, however, winter time can affect so many people in different ways, so people love it, while others abhor it with the coldness, early darkness and worry about paying electrical costs for heating, so combined it does change our mood.

Can I ask if you do have an alarm around your neck to notify anybody in emergency.

Take care.

Geoff.

[ruralite]

Thank Geoff, I live in a rural area ,alarm would be useless.Not a problem husband looks out for me... Sads seems to creep up on you. Found same thing happening this morning,so it is definitely Sads. have found my therapy light from last year am going to use it first thing in the morning and make sure I take my vitamin D tab,and stay out in the sunshine every day as much as possible. Dust in the summer also causes mood swings. Sorry about your Atriall Fibrillation. My husband has a heart that has all new plumbing. Going good. Thank you ..Ruralite

[geoff]

Hello Ruralite, the alarm for my emergency when I press it, travels 250 km to the base centre and connects within less than a minute, there they can notify a person/s I've nominated or call for an ambulance and/or police.

Don't know whether this helps you or not.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Sophia16]

Hi,

Welcome back to the Beyond Blue forums. SAD is very hard to deal with. It takes a lot of courage to reach out so you should be proud of yourself.

As you said, try and get out in the sun more, socialise with people you love, and work on your favourite hobbies. It can help ease the negative thoughts.

Stay safe and i am always here to chat