S.A.D.

Hello I get anxiety all times of the year but my grandpa has this and gets worse in the winter he seems to spend a long time in bed. He cannot write anymore but finds reading helpful and he tries to spend a lot of time in the garden. My grandma gets him up and dressed I think without this he would struggle. Keep strong and try to think of all the positive things for the day. I've started writing a diary it's really helping me. 

Lor xx

Hello angela, 

You say money is tight so you can't afford a light box, there are alternatvies to these,  a friend of mine dedicated a corner of of her bedroom to her favourite season, autumn. She had a desk lamp which she used to simulate the light with a slightly orange tinted cover over the bulb to make it look more natural, she also put up a few pictures. It's not ideal and not as good as a light box but this did help her.

Vitamin D will definatly help, it won't make you feel any less emotional and I can't say what it actualy does but it has proven studues to show when given to pateinets who feel down/depressed they have improved somewhat.

I myself have never took the tablets prescribed they make me feel mentally numb and almost distant, not to mention the cramps and headaches they give me.

Try to walk daily, I know it's not ideal now its getting cold this time of year, but wrap up warm and take a walk when you start to feel down, it helps for me, the air gives me some breathing room and an escape from reality.

I hope this has gave you some insight, You can feel free to message me on here anytime if you want to talk about anything, or even just a friendly chat!

I wish you all the best and keep strong!

-Ellis

Thanks lovely people.  Also for tips.  I know exercise is good and walking in particular.     At the moment I am fine and fortunately I love Christmas.  It is in the New Year that "black dog" creeps in !    Forgot to mention that when I have S.A.D. another symptom is feeling ill.  Stomach problems and backache.   Not sure whether this is another sign you have S.A.D.

Dear Angela, I am an S.A.D. sufferer. So bad I moved from the midlands to the North West owing to the fact of the BIG skys here. It did help for a while but as soon as I hit the day when the clocks change in October I rise from my bed with the horrors of the condition. Nausea, diahorea, headbanging feeling lethargic and cant digest my food that leaves me with constant heartburn. I dont want to go out and my friends just do not understand so they stay away from the mad woman. Then in October I was moving house and my cat died so all in all life is just great! I have a light box but it is not all it is said to be.I take Vd as you do and sometimes I just want to run away from myself. The real cure is to live nearer the equator and we cant afford to do that so unless some medic takes us seriously I just think it is our LOT. Better than being terminally ill though I suppose. Chin up sweetheart. Happy Christmas Jill