No energy or depressed..
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| Thu, 02-05-2009 - 1:14pm |
Some people suffer from depression during the winter months; this is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Usually, a person with SAD starts to feel better in the spring. The exact cause of SAD is unknown but since depression is more common during winter and in the higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, doctors believe that lack of sunlight alters brain chemistry in some people.
The above is from a web site. I did know about this and looked it up to share with you all if you haven't heard of it
I am wondering if a lot of us are suffering from this and don't know it. I know it can depress you and make you have no energy or enthusiasm. My father had this, but suffered through it every winter. There is a light you can get that is just like daylight. I have often thought of getting one for myself.



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Becky

I've heard it recommended that a person get 15 minutes of sunlight a day to help with SAD.
There are reports that lack of Vitamin D can cause depression also. As we need the sunshine to manufacture it in our bodies, those of us stuck indoors are likely to suffer this lack. This is the first year that I have taken Vit D regularly and have not gotten as down as usual. Another reason may be that my hobby room has 3 windows and I often open the blinds when I'm working there. Don't know how the window glass affects the sunrays, but it sure is cheerier. I skipped the treadmill early this A.M. - it's going to mid 40s today. Hooray - I'll be out the door at 2 PM. No sunscreen - want those rays to hit me.
Jacquie
I've been hearing some great things about Light Boxes and people say they really work. I've checked them out a bit and they go from $48 for a desk top size up to $200+.
I've thought about getting one for my mother who suffers from SAD.
Karla
Community Moderator, iVillage.com
yes, I know about SAD
long before it was given a name I realized by means of journals I kept that every January I felt kind of "down"
I attributed it to post holiday let down
but then I made an effort to do things in Jan as a distraction
over the years, like when the kids were growing up, we'd ski, both X-country and downhill
now I just try to get out for a walk when it is bright out
like today..went over to check out the ice fishing contest on the lake behind the house..not only sunny but 41 F !!
it was done by the Elks Club in memory of my friend Susan's late husband, so we stopped to say hi to her there
yes,there is a light you can get I know
it is esp difficult up here...so cold, so snowy...Spring will be more welcome than usual!
Dutch