anyone else coping with SAD?

Love all the different seasons. Yesterday we had a glorious sunset seen from our front window with our now leafless tree silhouetted against a stunning sky. I love seeing the trees in their twiggy state at this time of year when you can see their amazing shapes. But if you look closely they already have buds forming ready to unfurl in Spring. I'm not being a Pollyanna but sometimes you have to look to find good in all seasons. At least in winter I don't feel guilty when I literally turn my back to the garden and get my sewing machine/ a jigsaw/ good book out or potter in the kitchen making soups and stews. I'm sorry for those who get SAD especially as some sound like they have real depression. Go see the doctor for help and support but don't wish your life away. Try to make the most of each day as it comes. Life is precious - don't waste it.

My biggest problem in winter is that I just cannot see properly in gloomy conditions. I’ve had cataracts since I was around 58 (now 63) but not considered bad enough to operate on. Yet. Can no longer drive at night or in exceptionally full weather. The very sunny summer we’ve had this year was bliss as I could see very well most of the time.

Meant full not full!!

FFS dull not full. Aaarrrhhh predictive text

Big thank you for all your replies (except one!!)

I guess it's one of those conditions folk cant understand if they have never experienced it.

Just to comment on a few things that were mentioned:

1. I'm certainly not wishing my life away. I love lighting my candles in the dark evenings, sitting with my new husband in front of our log burning stove and relaxing. BUT on a bad day I so look forward to seeing the Spring flowers and feeling the warmth of the sunshine. Once I see the Spring bulbs appearing I know the happier days
are on their way.

2. As for loving the season we are born in ………..I was an August baby and adore the hot summer days. In my opinion it can never be "too hot". This last summer suited me just right and I was lucky enough to be working from home.

3. As mentioned in my first post, I already use vitamin D spray, LED lamp and a sunrise alarm. I try to walk every day. Keep doors & windows open for fresh air Eat a healthy diet & try to resist carbs & sugar (although failed with this yesterday lol)

As for cruel & unhelpful comments made by Riverwalk. I don't appreciate your foul language or your ridiculous comments . Would you tell someone with depression or a physical illness to "get a grip" ???? Do you think myself and others with this condition enjoy feeling so low? I suggest before replying to other posts you read "Gransnetiquette".

Moving on, maybe we could keep this thread going for love & support and useful advice . Again many many thanks. Had a horrendous day yesterday but feeling slightly better today

Good wishes to all coping with SAD

Ziggy I can only wish you ???????. Some things are like waves you just have to ride them to the shore and know that you will be fine when you feel the sand under your feet again.

Well said "Ziggy62". As you say its difficult to understand SAD unless you have experienced it. I think it would be a great idea to keep this thread going for all the reasons you say and it helps to know there are other people in the same situation. Hope today is good day for everyone.

Actually I have to say I was shocked and quite hurt by Riverwalks remarks. Can't understand why you would kick people when they are already feeling low. But heartened to see all the other positive and supportive comments.

A couple of things - I have a friend who is suffering severely at the moment. She is trying a Lumie SAD light, for an hour a day early in the morning when she wakes. Available from Amazon. Also, New Scientist recently published a short article about a research study that showed hot baths in the afternoon twice a week helped reduce the depression.
As for vitamin D - you need to take enough. Check your levels with a blood test from your GP.

The slow waking lights are good, aren't they. One of those was essential during winter when I was working. Couldn't have coped otherwise.

Good morning everyone. Not a bad weekend. Went to charity coffee morning on Saturday but sadly had to cancel planned evening out with in-laws, was just too tired. Went Christmas shopping yesterday with DH, all looked very festive and uplifting. Bought DH a few bits.
Not sleeping well as stupidly worrying about starting new job but thankfully have a bit more time at home yet.
Quite energetic this morning so plan to make some soup and sort out spare room
Hope every one is doing ok today
Oh checked out article about hot baths and strangely, I used to have a lovely hot bath every day and stopped a few months ago, so gonna go back to that and see if it helps. Everything else kind people are suggesting I am already doing (vitamin D, slow waking lights and light box)

Ziggy, that's a pretty positive post this morning. Sounding as though you are back in control. Well done. ???

Glad you had a ok weekend Ziggy62. Mine was good too. Sounds like you are taking lots of positive action. Hope everyone has a good day.

Good morning all. Not a good night, woke at 1am and didn't go back to sleep till 5am but up at 7 with DH and had washing out by 8am.

Bright day here today, should really force myself out for a walk but gonna get a few things done in the house and just enjoy feeling better today

how is everyone else doing?

Hi to Karanlouise & Apricity xxx

I get very low in the winter and have an alarm light and take Vit D. Also I live in a dark old cottage and have replaced most of my light bulbs with LEDs so I don't feel so guilty leaving the lights on all day. It helps me.

Morning everyone, Wow, "Ziggy62", you are industrious, you definitely deserve to enjoy feeling better, especially after not getting back to sleep in the night. Grey and cold here but going to force myself to wrap up and go for a walk as it's the only exercise I have been doing for the last few weeks. Hope everyone has a good day. XX

Hi all,

New here, have introduced myself in the cafe.

Lurking on this thread has encouraged me to find the instructions and use my light alarm again - thank you ?

Morning everyone, hope you are all ok. Welcome to gransnet Wolwol hope light alarm helps. It's cold but bright with blue skies here in Dorset. Hope everyone has a good day.

Good morning everyone. Just saying hello and hope you all have a good day.

Greeting Saddos!!!! ( just my silly humour)

Telling somebody to get a grip is pointless and rather rude.

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/sad-self-help/#.W_5pToH7Szw

I think sometimes its good not to beat yourself up if you don't reach your targets! I try to get out every day but on Sunday I just couldn't. I also eat junk at night Ah well, so be it.

Telling those with SAD to get a grip is a daft as telling someone with measles to wash the spots of, and it’s unkind .

Ha, I like that Annie. Its on a par with " think about poor children and eat all your dinner"

You have reminded me to go and find my SAD light. I needed the motivation.

Completely agree Anniebach and Oldbatty. You wouldn't tell someone with a broken leg to get a grip!! Thanks for link *Oldbatty".

Beating up of self does not help. If you can manage some outdoors time, some time under a lamp and some decent food some days ,that's enough.

Suspect some of us are supporting others; not the easiest when feeling unwell.