Stress Center Peer Support

Hello:
This is my first time writing. I'm having trouble connecting. The tapes are helpful but mainly geared towards anxiety and panic attacks. I suffer from a very specific type of depression - Seasonal Affective Disorder. I live near the Lake Erie shoreline. The sun does not shine very much in the winter. I am extremely aware of the lack of sunlight and color in the winter. The ideal is to move, but that's not always possible. I need some people who I can relate to. Help?

Sounds like you have the winter blues. I am the same way, I hate winter and usually get down and depressed after the holidays and stay that way until the end of March first of May. I love being outdoors and it's hard to do in the winter time. I would suggest finding something you can do indoors, yet still stay active. Bowling league, gym, indoor swimming, hobbies, etc.. My kids were given a Wii for Christmas, they are extremely fun and are interavtice. I enjoy playing a round of golf on ours when the weather is bad.

Have you ever heard of a blue light? My husband just got me one....it will take a while for it to take effect, but it is a small light that you place a couple of feet from your eyes. You only need ot use it about 1/2 hour per day. The simulated light is safe, and is required to enter your retinas, so you are receiving the required vitamins and benefits that the sun would have provided. Good for moods and circadian rhythm. Worth a shot for us up here in the dark!!!

Yes, I've been checking out the various options of light therapy. I already have a "dawn simulator" that's somewhat helpful. You said you recently got the blue light. I'd love to know if you feel improvement. Financially I hate to try yet another possible bad decision.

Hey Joys7...I will let ya know....the one I received had a faulty plug (of all things!!)I should be on it in a couple of days. It says it takes about a week to regulate your system. It has been so dark, dreary, foggy and cold here this winter, that I am desperately willing to give it a shot! I'll keep ya posted in a few days
~Erin

Hi Erin:
That would be wonderful if you could let me know about your light therapy. I had a faulty dawn simulator too, but it was replaced at no charge, thank goodness. Blue skies, occasional puffy white clouds, green trees, colorful flowers and sunshine seem like illusive dream this time of the year. Ah but spring is just a little over seven weeks away. Perhaps some tulips or daffodil sprouts? I'm extremely effected by lack of color and sunlight.
Best of luck. God Bless
Joyce

It is funny because I happen to have Summer SAD. I get depressed and anxious during the summer. it actually starts in Spring time when it starts to get Really sunny and warm. I LOVE Fall and Winter because I am at my happiest hen it is dark, cold rainy and cloudy. Its weird but true. I am kind of sensitive to light. . . I want to move to Washington because I love that weather. Unfortunately, for me, I live in Southern California.

I'm backwards on this also. I get more anxious when it is sunny and hot out. My mood and energy levels pick up when it gets a little cloudy and cold.
Holly J - I think we are living in the wrong part of the country! Ha

Gee, Holly, we should switch homes!!!

Joys7,
Okay...I have used my new "working" light for 2 days now. I think it will take a week or two to really notice a difference, but I am very hopeful. I use it during my program "homework" time. I'll keep ya in the light loop!!