I finally reached the turning point this winter(past few days) where sleep is a constant friend,darkness, a closed door and blinds down.

My phone is always on silent so I don't hear the ringer and feel obligated to answer.

I know the what's,how's,wheres,whens,, now to put something in motion,like me,is almost impossible.PATHETIC

I shake with suppressed emotions,then contain them till I am tired.This is a 25+ year thing for me,It sucks.

My question isn't the what's,how's,and why... etc or for advice like"go look for rainbows" when there is only dreary days ahead.I am asking for the people like me, HOW do you deal with seasonal depression(methods,and tried/true experiences which helped you further yourself while not trying to be in so much isolation.)

Please be specific.

KBC

My battle with depression has not been as long as yours. I know how hard it is. No one seems to understand, which makes it feel much worse. Many people say "Just snap out of it" or "Just keep your head up"... etc. It is very hard and remarks like that only make things worse. I have been going through depression for several years now and have been unable to deal with it due to lack of money/medical insurance. It cost me my job because I got so stressed out and just up and quit. I understand how it feels to be really down and low... it's very hard for me to get out of bed and try to accomplish anything... like look for a job or even to just feed myself sometimes. Even though I am at one of the lowest points I have ever been, I know that I still have to try. Sometimes that is all it takes for me to feel just a tiny bit better. Not accomplishing anything only makes me feel worse. If I have something I have been meaning to do for a while, I finally just kick myself and do it... and I feel much better. The key, I think, is just trying to do one thing at a time. Find something productive or satisfying that you can bring yourself to do. If you can accomplish one thing, then that is one less hurdle in front of you, which seems to be somewhat relieving. The more you accomplish, no matter how small, the better you feel. That is what I try to do. Have you been able to make it to see someone regarding your depression?

HI K,

I have suffered from severe depression for 58 years, taking medication for about the last twenty years or so.

There is only one thing that helped me get out of a downward spiral, and that was getting plenty of exercise. Exercise is the most important thing a person with depression can do to help his/her mood. I recently read an article that stated what I learned over my life... exercise is more effective than any other kind of treatment(medication, talk therapy, light therapy, etc)to improve the life of a depressive.

There are so many ways to get exercise... by yourself(speed walking is excellent), while helping others(snow shoveling, for example), working hard on a project(cleaning an entire garage, or whatever)... the body produces natural chemicals(endorphins(sp?)) that cause pain relief and mood elevation and whatever during hard exercise which lasts over time. After completing a job well done, one feels a great sense of accomplishment.

Hopefully, you are not too out of shape so you can start first thing in the morning. You can start building up your stamina to walk five miles in an hour. So, do say three miles first thing in the morning, and then let me know how it went.

Results guaranteed. The old cliché is true, one just has to take the first step and all the others follow. :)

Best wishes to you

Hi,
I'm glad I'm not the only one. Situationally everything's great. But I'm as much as a mess as you seem to be. About 17 years ago, I tried an SSRI. It was like a miracle, I was “normal.” It has stopped working the past few years even though the dose has been tripled. I also suffer from MS which can also cause depression. Exercise only makes me more tired and depressed these days. To get into an exercise routine, I'd probably need someone to route me out of bed and monitor my activity so I don't over-do it. Over-doing it is something I've had to unlearn as the MS has progressed.

I was lying there in the dark, in the middle of the day, with the shades pulled, my body unwashed and unfed and the phone unplugged when I realized that I was in serious trouble once again. So, I went on-line and started searching for something, anything, that would help. The answer I found, that has been helping is Salvia Divinorum (legal in most countries). It's an herb found growing wild in Mexico. A form of sage, it is made into tea or smoked by shamans in that region. It is touted to help with MS depression as well as other forms of depression. It may help yours too. I use a tincture (moderate-high dose) once or twice a month. (Daniel Siebert, on-line)

The lack of light which is currently torturing us will begin to dissipate in only 5 days, on the Solstice. After that I know that we will begin to feel better.

Simone

KBC,

I too have suffered from depression on and off all my life the result of an abusive childhood. And I find it is particularly bad in the winter. I was on medication when I was younger but I refuse it now because my life just seemed to be slipping away in a haze. I wanted to spend what time I had left enjoying my children and my grandchildren. I agree with the others above, exercise is good but I'm more into relaxation and meditation these days. Planning and eating healthy, high protein meals helps as does cutting right down on stimulating drinks like coffee and soda drinks. I have read many books on this and have picked up some tips. There are light bulbs you can buy that simulate daylight but I simply change all my light bulbs in the winter for 100 watt light bulbs, hang the electric bill. I used to close the curtains and lock the door and will everyone to just stay away. But I discovered that doing the very opposite to everything I felt like doing worked much better. The curtains are thrown wide, the door has a nice Christmas wreath on it and I plan my day so that I can have some company or get out for an hour or two without becoming overwhelmed. I seriously found taking charge of my day instead of letting it take charge of me helped a great deal. :)

My battle with depression has not been as long as yours. I know how hard it is. No one seems to understand, which makes it feel much worse. Many people say "Just snap out of it" or "Just keep your head up"...etc. It is very hard and remarks like that only make things worse. I have been going through depression for several years now and have been unable to deal with it due to lack of money/medical insurance. It cost me my job because I got so stressed out and just up and quit. I understand how it feels to be really down and low...it's very hard for me to get out of bed and try to accomplish anything...like look for a job or even to just feed myself sometimes. Even though I am at one of the lowest points I have ever been, I know that I still have to try. Sometimes that is all it takes for me to feel just a tiny bit better. Not accomplishing anything only makes me feel worse. If I have something I have been meaning to do for a while, I finally just kick myself and do it...and I feel much better. The key, I think, is just trying to do one thing at a time. Find something productive or satisfying that you can bring yourself to do. If you can accomplish one thing, then that is one less hurdle in front of you, which seems to be somewhat relieving. The more you accomplish, no matter how small, the better you feel. That is what I try to do. Have you been able to make it to see someone regarding your depression?
Oh yes, I have been under treatments and medications for many years now,with the same results,seasonal depression:(

This thread is for those of us who would like to get beyond the winter doldrums and move forward,I am one of those who would rather move than stand(or sleep) still.

Ken

I'm going to join the crowd here since I have suffered from depression for a long time. Been on and off meds for a number of years. Got better to the point that I could be off the meds. Now, I think that it's time to get back on some kind of med.

Right now and for the past two weeks, I have been in the midst of the Seasonal Affective Disorder. It's been really bad! Just within the last 24 hours, I slept for about 18. I still feel tired. I feel like I could sleep forever! I don't want to get out of bed. It is an incredible struggle for me!

What's helping with this a little bit, is that I do have a very strong support group of friends. But, I do think that I need to get some medication again. Another thing that doesn't help, is the cloudy weather. And, if you know what it's like in the upper Midwest U.S. you know what I mean with that!

I will be back here to absorb what has been written and to help to support each other.

Thanks for starting this thread, Ken! :)

You might find this interesting. :)

"It turns out that human beings are also influenced by the light. Light determines our sleep/wake cycle. In most animals and humans, the desire to sleep is brought on by secretion of a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is produced in a tiny gland known as the pineal gland. In the evening the pineal gland reacts to the diminishing levels of daylight and starts to produce melatonin, which is then released into the blood and flows through the body making us drowsy. Its secretion peaks in the middle of the night during our heaviest hours of sleep. In the morning, bright light shining through the eye reaches the pineal gland which reacts by switching off the production of melatonin, thus removing the desire to sleep."

More.............

Light Therapy, Bright Light Therapy, How Does Light Affect Human Functions, Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, sleep/wake cycle, pineal gland, melatonin, hormonal balance. (http://www.holisticonline.com/Light_Therapy/light_affect.htm)

It's very interesting to hear others' stories and ways of coping with depression. I am not fond of anti-depressants because I don't think any form of mental illness should be simply treated with drugs. I have tried many anti-depressants and every single one of them made me feel jittery and nervous and very very nauseated! It seems to be that the best thing that you can do for yourself is force yourself not to just slide down into the pit. I like the comment of throwing the curtains wide open... sometimes the smallest of things really seem to be helpful. It's funny that it's well known that exercise is good for the body, but who would have ever heard it's good for the mind too! In my attempt to offer some advice, I have myself found some helpful advice from others. Thanks you all for the great tips!

Last year I only left the house when I HAD to which amounted to 3 trips a month to the grocery store.

What I do is listen to music from morning to evening. Christmas music in December

Drink Hershey's hot cocoa --recipe on the back of the box. (not instant)

Make some homemade soup or chili

Burn candles

Work on projects, like going through boxes of accumulated junk and make art & craft things, that I put off during working summer months

Soak in a hot bath

So far this winter I haven't had my usual S.A.D. because I have been taking vitamin D3,
B complex, amino acid complex, alpha lipoic acid and omega fatty acid.


Oh and also I dream of how SOME winter I am going to move to a warm climate, but every fall something happens to prevent it. :(

Ken, I'm sorry I haven't read this post sooner. What kind of friend am I? You are always there to cheer me on and offer me you support and I'm just taking it and giving you nothing back. I'm very very sorry.

I just want to say that I wish there was something I could do to cheer you up. I can't make silly faces or jump out of your closet dressed as a man dressed like a woman. But I can tell you some jokes.

How about this one...

"How can I ever thank you?" gushed a woman to Clarence Darrow, after he had solved her legal troubles.

"My dear woman," Darrow replied, "ever since the Phoenicians invented money there has been only one answer to that question."

Ha ha got to love a good lawyer joke!

Or how about this?

Q: Why did chicken Jim Morrison cross the road?
A: To break on through to the other side.


I bet you thought I was too young to know that one huh?

I'm really not very funny at all and I actually just copy and pasted these from some website but hey, I bet I made you smile!

I hope so because you always make me smile and I wanted to return the favor.

If you get sad just send me a message, or you could get a kick out of my goofy pictures on myspace.

My url is MySpace.com - Emm Lura© - 20 - Female - Greenville, Ohio - www.myspace.com/emlura (http://www.myspace.com/emlura)

Have fun with that pal ha ha. I make myself look like a total jack@$$ on there. It's funny.

Your friend and partner in crime,

Emily

I never have seasonal depression! I don't know what to say! But I do have low times,but I know I have to do a job if not there is no one pay for my living! And I like to make myself happy everyday,only with happy mood then I can feel life is funny! Nothing is a big deal as long as you try!

I never have seasonal depression! i don't know what to say! but i do have low times,but i know i have to do a job if not there is no one pay for my living! and i like to make myself happy everyday,only with happy mood then i can feel life is funny! nothing is a big deal as long as you try!

It is hard to know how someone feels unless you have been in the same situation. When someone is clinically depressed, it can be hard even to try. I know what KBC is going through right now, because I am going through the same thing. This seasonal depression when added to the depression that someone already has, can really be a big deal!

I had forgotten about the melatonin connection, until someone mentioned it. And thanks for reminding me about vitamins and amino acids. Somehow all the information gets sucked into the fog of winter. I know that it is common for those on antidepressant medication to stop taking it too.

I wanted to ask if it's just me, or does anyone else feel more comfortable being awake at night when most people are sleeping. When the sun comes up, especially if it's sunny with no clouds, I get really sleepy. When the sun goes down I feel energized and want to do things. Maybe I'm just being human and wanting what I am not supposed to have?

It is hard to know how someone feels unless you have been in the same situation. When someone is clinically depressed, it can be hard even to try. I know what KBC is going through right now, because I am going through the same thing. This seasonal depression when added to the depression that someone already has, can really be a big deal!


Awe Clough I do know what depression is like and I know what bipolar is like and unfortunately our friend here suffers from both. I feel for you sweetheart and if you ever need to talk and just vent to anyone I'll be here. People think that I don't know much because of my age but ask Kenny-Ken and he'll tell you! I just love people and I'd love to help you if you just want to talk. I'm a great listener. Well er... reader... ha ha

Keep me posted hun.

A friend to all,

Emm

I had forgotten about the melatonin connection, until someone mentioned it. And thanks for reminding me about vitamins and amino acids. Somehow all the information gets sucked into the fog of winter. I know that it is common for those on antidepressant medication to stop taking it too.

I wanted to ask if it's just me, or does anyone else feel more comfortable being awake at night when most people are sleeping. When the sun comes up, especially if it's sunny with no clouds, I get really sleepy. When the sun goes down I feel energized and want to do things. Maybe I'm just being human and wanting what I am not supposed to have?


Hello there! I think you hit the nail right on the head when you said you might just be human wanting what you can't have. I was in a dark hole of depression a couple of days ago which I barely made it out alive. I wanted death to come via a couple of handfuls of some anxiety medicine and in the back of my mind I think I knew that I couldn't have that luxury. I think that post got deleted. Thank God! I was embarrassed about my actions and trying to take the easy way out.

Anyway to answer your question I love being awake at night. And I really think it's natural. The air is cooler at night and when you are chilly it's instinct to move around right?

I don't know. Maybe I'm just dumb and I'm just talking out of my butt. Actually that's probably the case. I'm no good at this. I just love to try...

Thanks buddies!

I had forgotten about the melatonin connection, until someone mentioned it. And thanks for reminding me about vitamins and amino acids. Somehow all the information gets sucked into the fog of winter. I know that it is common for those on antidepressant medication to stop taking it too.

I wanted to ask if it's just me, or does anyone else feel more comfortable being awake at night when most people are sleeping. When the sun comes up, especially if it's sunny with no clouds, I get really sleepy. When the sun goes down I feel energized and want to do things. Maybe I'm just being human and wanting what I am not supposed to have?

For me, I tend to be a night person. But, when I do get enough sleep during the night, my brain functions great in the morning! I feel sleepy now, most of the time, day or night. Doesn't seem to matter how much sleep I get.

I will get sleepy when there is too much sunlight, at least in my opinion, especially when I am doing something like driving for a long distance.

For me, I tend to be a night person. But, when I do get enough sleep during the night, my brain functions great in the morning! I feel sleepy now, most of the time, day or night. Doesn't seem to matter how much sleep I get.

I will get sleepy when there is too much sunlight, at least in my opinion, especially when I am doing something like driving for a long distance.
Is this self abusive behavior? Is this how we get worse with our seasonal depression?

I do EXACTLY the same as you do, sleep during the light hours as much as possible, I am exposed during these hours, at night I can be hidden from all those prying eyes(self abusive and paranoia? )and do what I do best, think,think,think!

In other words, AM I SETTING MYSELF UP?

Do I do this for some purpose other than depression:confused: ,Or,is this because of depression,serving depression for depressions needs?(see! Think think think... )Anger starts about right here in my thought processes, and anger turned inward is?. DEPRESSION!

Self loathing is something I am more than intimate with,depression a close 2nd,and mania a close 3rd,empathy for those of us posting in here is my therapy,when I feel worthy of giving.Right now I am a taker.

Thanks to all who have responded to this post,It really is something we have in common and I,for one, need to exercise this demon whenever I can.

Ken

When I was still a student, sleep 2 or 3 hours a day is quite enough for me, even did not sleep for two days,I still feel energied,and at that time, it was really difficult for me to fall asleep at night,I was always awake.BUT once I began to work, I always feel sleepy,and still can't fall asleep,I tried many ways to get a good rest,and I found listening music is quite useful for me! And sleepy is very important for a woman,so I always force myself to sleep!

I have talked about Salvia Divinorum. I use it for depression. I haven't used it lately because, uh, it would probably help? Salvia means sage. The plant, sage has many sub-species.

So, knowing that some are concerned taking a drug, not recommended by a doctor, I thought I would share what my (sneaky) husband did to me. We have three different types of sage in our house. Maybe four if you count the one in the spice rack. My sister gave me some white sage that she grew in her garden. I also have a stick of it that I bought. I have my supply of Salvia Divinorum. Then I have some sage that a friend and I collected on a road trip. Im not sure what kind it is. It's whatever they burn at a Native American prayer circle I used to attend. I burn it sometimes, like when we first moved into our new house. We smudged, purified the house with it.

That's what he used. He lit it while I was sleeping. I woke up and began doing things around the house that I have neglected for weeks. A couple of days later, he lit the white sage to get me out of bed. Same effect. I laughed at him walking around the bedroom with it. I haven't laughed in a long time. Wow.

There was a website given above, about depression. Reading it reminded me that my diet is very poor. I need to take vitamins. So, I started doing that too. I'm way better. I hope this can help some sufferers out there.

simoneaugie,

It's not just you. I also suffer from 'the night owl syndrome'. I don't know what it is but I seem to like the quietness of the night, knowing no one is going to ring or come to the door. I think I'm a bit of a hermit at heart. :)

Ken,

"Do I do this for some purpose other than depression ,Or, is this because of depression, serving depression for depressions needs? (see! think think think...) Anger starts about right here in my thought processes, and anger turned inward is?...DEPRESSION!"


For those of us who are unaware of the effects as well as some of the tips and secrets for dealing with depression, yes I think we could be making it worse for ourselves on occasion. But once we realise what is going on and how it affects us personally we can counteract most of the effects of depression by going with the flow and trusting the body's ability to heal itself. It's the old adage; It's not what happens that hurts us the most, it's how we deal with what happens.

I use relaxation to gain control of those worry thoughts that might and sometimes do make me feel worse than I really need to. I tell myself off and work to regain control of myself and my feelings. I know that isn't easy or even possible for some people. I'm only dealing with it now after years of trying this and trying that. Recognising your own pattern of depression can help you prepare for the worst of it. Don't beat yourself up for being down and unable to keep up with chores. Take care of you. Think about the child within and do something sweet, warm and cuddly for her or him. Pamper yourself like you would a sick child. We might feel depressed but we don't have to put up with being bloody miserable too. :)

My battle with depression has not been as long as yours. I know how hard it is. No one seems to understand, which makes it feel much worse. Many people say "Just snap out of it" or "Just keep your head up"...etc. It is very hard and remarks like that only make things worse. I have been going through depression for several years now and have been unable to deal with it due to lack of money/medical insurance. It cost me my job because I got so stressed out and just up and quit. I understand how it feels to be really down and low...it's very hard for me to get out of bed and try to accomplish anything...like look for a job or even to just feed myself sometimes. Even though I am at one of the lowest points I have ever been, I know that I still have to try. Sometimes that is all it takes for me to feel just a tiny bit better. Not accomplishing anything only makes me feel worse. If I have something I have been meaning to do for a while, I finally just kick myself and do it...and I feel much better. The key, I think, is just trying to do one thing at a time. Find something productive or satisfying that you can bring yourself to do. If you can accomplish one thing, then that is one less hurdle in front of you, which seems to be somewhat relieving. The more you accomplish, no matter how small, the better you feel. That is what I try to do. Have you been able to make it to see someone regarding your depression?


My thoughts exactly

OK,I guess it's time to bring this thread back to life,it IS winter and the sun HAS been gone for most of the day(lately,for me anyway)

How do we deal with seasonal depression this year?

Right now,I am (again) totally into this site,not to the obsession/compulsion effect,but close!

Met some new friends,met back up with some old friends.Each has been supportive and kind.

Without setting the table,I wonder how long it'll be till this winters 'episode' might start.

Been really good taking the meds this year,new meds since summer.BUT,being stuck on hydrocodone for the knee pain (surgery Jan 13th) might be a problem with the depression,much less the addiction aspect.

Anyone else worried about this issue for themselves?

I like discussion about this and ANY mental health topics.

Yeah really!!
I was just thinking of this post today as I was taking out the garbage at work. I was thinking WHY was I born in a cold climate with NO way OUT! Maybe before next winter!:(

I need to start taking my vitamin D3 (for the seasonal thing) and hylaronic acid for my knees again (great for lubricating the joints and muscles).

Go rent some of the funniest movies you can find and have a good belly laugh.This takes care of all kinds of problems. Keep some of these movies around the house so when you are down you will have them available. And don't forget lots of chicken soup, take lots of walks and pray while your walking. Keep good thoughts and keep laughing. Let me recommend a movie to you. It is an old one from the thirties
And is a Frank Capra movie and I think it is better than a Wonderful life that is shown on TV every Christmas. It too is a Frank Capra movie with Lionel Barrymore and Jimmy Stewart. This is the movie tittled You Can't Take it with you. This a great movie that I know you will enjoy. It's hilarious. But like I said it is an old movie so you may have to order it. But believe me it is great. But the main thing is for you to watch funny movies.
They are healing to the mind and body and soul. This is what I do and it works every time. And don't forget music . Music . Music. Your favorites of course.

Maggie 3

Update(and thanks for responding maggie3 :) )

My surgery has been move... FORWARD YAAAAAAAA!

December 24(some Christmas this is going to be).

The need for pain pills will be slowed to a stop a lot sooner than the end of January now(thank goodness) They are a problem for me,not just in the addiction sense, but for the depression sense(pain pills = depressant at least for me they do!)

I am eagerly anticipating the operation and hope the winter isn't all gloom and doom after.

Happy Holidays every one and keep up the great work here in AMHD!

Ken

Thank you for letting us know, I am praying and believing, that all is
Going well now and what is to come. Bless you KBC.

Maggie 3

Thank you for letting us know, I am praying and believing, that all is
going well now and what is to come. Bless you KBC.

Maggie 3

Thank you Maggie3,this winter has been OK so far,hope it keeps up!

The surgery was moved up again, I had it this AM and was home by 2PM went smoothly and now the pain pills are serving a better purpose,to help with recovery instead of nursing long term pain.

The pain is very tolerable(I thought it would be worse) and with luck I will be out and about soon.

I see the psych doc tomorrow for a regular 3 month check in and I am confident the meds will stay the same,as I have been compliant and am doing well enough.

Still, I see new posts about how this med doesn't work or that therapy didn't help... We know if we don't apply ourselves to the treatments NONE of them are going to do anything,we seek treatment and sometimes don't like what we hear,then dismiss the therapy/meds as not working.

Seems like I have looked at quite a few like this, this year.Hope I can help the others to see the folly of this thinking and help them help themselves.

Great to hear you did well today. I know your glad to get it over
With and I will be praying for you. Thank you for all the work you do here, there is a big
Need out here.

Maggie 3

No depression,other than small 'triggered' incidental ones,you know, life on lifes terms.

The mania on the other hand,has been problematic this year, can't stay in the middle, but I think I would rather be up than down.:)

Hi, KBC!

It's nice to see that you're back here! I hope that you're doing well!

Thanks!

Oh well I'll be darned. I was going to just move along to another thread because this was 2 years old. (I was asked not to post to old or "dead" threads.) I see now that there are replies from a couple days ago. Hard to reach out to all of you individually so just know that I'm familiar with a few of you and I feel for you. All of you.

Geees, just lost my train of thought. I'm depressed as well since my early 20's. I used to dance and didn't notice the depression as much even though it was still there. What I'm getting at is, yes, exercise is a very good thing. It produces those good ole endorphins but there are I believe 5 chemicals that are produced. Also, the physiological effects stay with you for days (depending) after you exercise. I believe most of this was mentioned already but this is a good subject. The only thing that has changed for me over the years is that I now actually prefer the winter.? I feel that if it's cold and dreary out, I don't feel as bad staying in and just watching TV. I'm a temp at my job so now I am not working. Believe it or not, I prefer it that way right now. I know it sounds ridiculous but I just look forward to it getting dark and then putting the TV on. Sometimes I don't shower for a few days, I know "Yuck" and a night out for me is the grocery store. Sometimes that can actually lift my spirits. I don't mind socializing a little bit with strangers I may come across. It somehow is a good feeling knowing that I'm going to come back home and ly down to just watch TV. Sometimes I do listen to music and may dance. I used to notice years ago that February was the real "low" month but again, somehow I don't want the nice weather just yet. I'm awake till the sun comes up and then I don't get up till nearly dark. This is most of the time, not ALL of the time. Let me stop because I'm not even sure if this is making sense right now.

I hope all of you are feeling better. Just one month away till Spring. Hope you all find some comfort somehow. Every post I've read makes perfect sense except the one about melatonin. It is quite certainly true but I don't understand it because my system is the opposite. I was never a morning/day person no matter how I've tried.

I agree with watching favorite movies and/or comedies even if they're just sitcoms. I have a whole line-up every day/night/am. Right now it is 3am by me and I'm opening my 2nd pint of Haagen Dazs. I usually only have one. K, said I'd stop. I do hope you all are well and I'm glad we're not alone. Thanks KBC!

Forgot to ask, and I promise my next post won't be so lengthy. I'm so drained myself just from reading it over.
SAD is Seasonal Affective Disorder OR Seasonal Acute Depression? Maybe they are both the same thing?

I believe they are the same thing SAD is SAD.

This winter I made it through a huge manic fit as well as a few weeks of depression.

I was treated for the manic moods and the new medications made the depression(sleeping all the time,moods low... etc)and now (March,11th) the docs finally saw what I was living on,sleep and little else.

Makes one wonder how I forgot to mention this, oh yeah, I didn't forget,the words fell of deaf ears,, for weeks.

Anyway,I have new (old) meds now kicking me back to 'normal' and today I am feeling a little more like my old self again(YAAAAAA)

Yeah,this is a very old thread,but people are affected all year round with depressions,so why close a thread that still helps?

Thank you KBC, glad to hear from you. People are always looking for help by
Reading the threads. I am thankful you are doing well.

Maggie 3

Thank you KBC, glad to hear from you. People are always looking for help by
reading the threads. I am thankful you are doing well.

Maggie 3

I WAS doing well when we wrote this:o,then St.Patrick's Day I had a end of the season psychotic episode and took a few too many meds.:eek:

Since then I have been hospitalized and am now doing well enough.:cool:

Sometimes I think about the seasonal depression and how it can still affect your disposition AFTER the 'normal' seasonal stuff is over.I had this latest 'episode' well after I 'normally' do.

I need more input,maybe there are some online studies or SAD sites I haven't been to yet.

This year I had NO 'SAD' to speak of,just this end of the dark days episode.I am wondering how the lack of wintertime SAD and this latest one really have to do with each other.

I used to suffer from depression, and whilst I don't claim to be entirely without problems (you'll know what I mean if you check other posts I've made), in terms of depression I have moved forward hugely (my problem now is more with the fall out from depression, although I don't claim to be completely 'cured'). I would like to offer some tips that I wish I'd worked out earlier. What helped me (and I may be repeating other people) was;

1) Exercise. It releases endorphins, and depending on the type of exercise you do can either soothe your mind, or energise you and drive out depression and anger, albeit temporarily. If possible do it outside and in nature. I know the light may not be great but it's preferable to artificial lighting indoors, and there is a beauty in nature that can help you to 'get outside of yourself,' as it were.

2) No alcohol(it's a depressant, there's no getting around it).

3) Consume less refined sugar and caffeine (if it affects non-depressed people's moods it's going to be worse for you).

4) Take Cod Liver Oil, or any oil high in Omega 3, although be careful if you're taking other supplements/medications.

5) Get a routine, and stick to it. From personal experience, and speaking with other people, I know that when you're depressed you can stop caring for yourself i.e. don't keep your home clean, shower as much as you should, eat properly etc etc, and this can result in you getting stuck in a cycle.

A cycle may go like this
1) You look around a messy room and feel depressed, because it's unattractive and there's so much work to do
2) You think, 'I can't handle this right now, I'll deal with tomorrow' and go to bed
3) You wake up and the first thing you see is mess and work and dirt and you become so overwhelmed and ashamed by it that you're mood drops even lower than it was before
4) You think 'I can't handle this, I'll deal with it later' and so on and so on, with the cycle dragging you steadily downwards until you feel so deeply enmeshed in it that you can't conceive of ever escaping.

This cycle can apply to many different things, and can really hold you back, so make an effort to get out of it. I once promised myself that I would make my bed every morning, and that was my primary ambition for about a month! I then slowly extended it into other aspects of my life and now I have a pretty solid system. It may sound shallow and simple, but taking care of yourself and your environment (because you deserve to be taken care of) does make day-to-day life as a depressive easier, and can help to stop you from getting sucked into the quagmire that can be depression.

6) Celebrate the small. If making a meal from scratch, doing your laundry or going for a long walk is an achievement for you, treat it as such. Don't think 'oh, everyone does this, why make a big deal, I'll celebrate when I do something really big, like go back to school,' because if we measured our life in large, life changing steps like that then we'd all be miserable all of the time. Life is made of, and turns on, the smallest of pleasures and achievements, so embrace them. Other people don't matter, if it's a big deal to you, then it's a big deal. Period.

7) Treat yourself. To anything. We're all different. Happy movies, books, music, do some gardening, whatever. If someone you loved was a bit down you'd probably try to do something like that to cheer them up - buying them their favourite movie on DVD, baking them brownies etc, so show the same level of love and caring to yourself.

I'm not claiming that these tips are a 'cure,' and I know first hand how frustrating it can be when people offer simple, superficial solutions to something that feels very profound and powerful. However, every step counts, and in my experience it's often little things that can take the edge off your pain and help to nudge you back into 'normality,' whatever that is. Good luck! :)

p.s. apologies for the ludicrously long post!