I Haven't Seen a Thread About This So...

[TriflinThomas]

Seasonal Affective Disorder, I'm pretty sure I have it. Every year, around this time, I just start getting blah. Then, by December, I'm all mopey/depressed. Then, it starts getting better through January and February; and by March, I'm back to regular. I've tried ssri's, but they don't help because they make me feel "fake happy," so I usually just slog through it.

 

[PhoenixRising]

I've talked to a lot of people that experience the same thing as you've described. I've heard of light therapy being used to treat it successfully. Vitamin D supplementation also helps in some cases. Just like any other type of depression, different things work for different people.

Medication is definitely a last resort for the treatment of psychological disorders, it can have very serious side effects. Feeling "fake happy" sounds pretty awful as well.

 

[intpz]

I don't believe I get much vitamin D in the summer, during the scorching sunny days either.

 

[Vrecknidj]

Some people have great success with a light box. For others, exercise is helpful (especially in the morning).

 

[Trebuchet]

I seem to have a mild case of Summer SAD (I get depressed starting in late April, am at my lowest all year in August, and perk up when the weather cools and the nights come early). It is not at all fun and you have my sympathy. I know different things work for different people, but certainly Vrecknidj's suggestions are the ones that work most often.

 

[Fukyo]

My mood definitely declines during long cloudy periods, and when the sun sets early. Quite lame to have to have artificial lightning on at noon, and speaking of artificial light, it doesn't make a difference.

 

[Architect]

I prefer this time of year because it finally gets a little dark. Summertime is too bright and sunny around here.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

^Same, especially because California only has two seasons, and barely any rain. Overcast is my favorite kind of weather. This is when I start listening to mostly downtempo and ambient music and become more reflective.

 

[TriflinThomas]

^Same, especially because California only has two seasons, and barely any rain. Overcast is my favorite kind of weather. This is when I start listening to mostly downtempo and ambient music and become more reflective.

I still notice the weather changes, (obviously) the days get shorter, there's more wind, and the temp hovers around 65 (it even gets below 60 on really cold days). Anyway... I hate overcast/rain if it's out of season, I especially hate June Gloom.

 

[Trebuchet]

Now I am wondering if both kinds of SAD are particularly common in California.

 

[TriflinThomas]

I wouldn't think that winter SAD is extremely prevalent in California. Although, I can only speak for Southern California.

 

[Hadoblado]

Overcast is my favorite kind of weather. This is when I start listening to mostly downtempo and ambient music and become more reflective.

Same, though apparently only if I can see the sky. ATM I pretty much reside within my dungeon while the weather is gloomy, which has very little perspective. When I have a more open room I really enjoy my overcast days, they make me feel some sort of fresh calm.

I also feel extremely empowered during harsh winds and lightning storms, particularly if I have my ipod on hand.

 

[eagor]

Seasonal Affective Disorder, I'm pretty sure I have it. Every year, around this time, I just start getting blah. Then, by December, I'm all mopey/depressed. Then, it starts getting better through January and February; and by March, I'm back to regular. I've tried ssri's, but they don't help because they make me feel "fake happy," so I usually just slog through it.

my advice to you, don't live above the arctic circle.

 

[TriflinThomas]

my advice to you, don't live above the arctic circle.

No! That would kill us! (+5000 happy points if you know what movie that is from)

 

[Jason43]

Dragging up an old topic, but It occurred to me that seasonal affective disorder may be linked to Extroverted Feelings? When it's grey and cold outside, my emotional state is just a reflection of that. I know I get depressed when it is cloudy and cold for extended amounts of time and I think my mood is just reflecting what is around me. Isn't that how Fe works?