Stress Center Peer Support

well it's autumn again, here in the northeast. and already i miss the "long days" and warmer weather.
i try taking joy in the pumpkins, changing leaves, and apple everything . but it's still extra tough.
does anyone have a tip for dealing with the SADness?

My sister uses a full spectrum light that is made specifically for simulating sun light. She sits in front of it for 15 minutes every day when the days start getting shorter and she says it helps her a lot. A friend of mine does the same thing and she swears by it. They both are effected by SAD and both say it lifts their moods come winter.

I know how you feel. I feel the same. I have actually used a tanning salon during winter for this in the past and it helped. I think this year I may try it again.

Yes, fall has always put me "down", too. Just the smell of the outdoors at times in the fall trigger my emotions. I do use a tanning bed, and it does help some. Usually, once we get thru fall, and head toward Christmas, I am usually able to re-focus on the warmth of Christmas and the cozyness of a fresh fallen snow. But until we get thru the fall, I just try and take it one day at a time. I have found that if my body can stay warm (like turning on the heat in the house instead of trying to tough it out) that seems to help. Just try to keep turning to positive thoughts. Hang in there. I am in PA and I know how you feel!

I find myself slipping back into a depressed state after two years of being fine. I'm at a new job and the fall arriving may be the culprits. I'm still on my meds and may try this full spectrum light thing. I do not want to sink back in that hole after doing ok for so long!!!

Oh I know the feeling. I too suffer from SAD, and I have a full spectrum light as well. It does make a difference for sure. Here it gets really cold in winter most of the time, and grey skies are the norm. We do get mild, sunny winter days, but not enough. Today is not too bad outside, but I want summer back.
MC, I hope you find a way to feel better.

Hugs

There is a vitamin you can take, I recently looked up. It is called D-3, it is like a calcium pill. It helps replace a certain vitamin in your body that you only get from the sun. It is supossed to help with the winter depression some people experience when the days are shorter. Look it up and give it a try. I got mine at walmart.

The vitamin thing sounds good too! I'm willing to try anything, though my empty wallet may not be quite as willing.

mdl - vit D-3 isn't too expensive. I take 2,000 mg a day, and even though I live in Calif. with a lot of sun I was testing deficient in this vitamin. It's good for your bone health too!

thanks everyone for the good advice. i have tried the light--and i'll look for those bulbs and the vitamins, asap