Seasonal Affective Disorder

[bkniefel]

I'm sure that I am not the only who feels this way, but there is a medical diagnosis for what I am about to describe. First of all, I experience this all of the time, anyhow!

So I hate the winter, I'm actually allergice to the cold (not kidding, I will show proof if necessary) and get hives whenever my skin is exposed to temperatures below 30 for too long. But it's not just the physical remedies, it's the life that takes place during this season. Pretty much nothing right? Every day seems like WWII with gray skies and bitter complaints. It's hard to be happy when you are uncomfortable for so long. I did some reading and found an article on "SAD" which is Seasonal Affective Disorder. I had to cut some of it off because it get's begins to stray from where I cut it off.

What is SAD?

Throughout the centuries, poets have described a sense of sadness, loss and lethargy which can accompany the shortening days of fall and winter. Many cultures and religions have winter festivals associated with candles or fire. Many of us notice tiredness, a bit of weight gain, difficulty getting out of bed and bouts of "the blues" as fall turns to winter.

However some people experience an exaggerated form of these symptoms. Their depression and lack of energy become debilitating. Work and relationships suffer. This condition, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may affect over 10 million Americans while the milder, "Winter Blues" may affect a larger number of individuals.

The typical symptoms of SAD include depression, lack of energy, increased need for sleep, a craving for sweets and weight gain. Symptoms begin in the fall, peak in the winter and usually resolve in the spring. Some individuals experience great bursts of energy and creativity in the spring or early summer. Susceptible individuals who work in buildings without windows may experience SAD-type symptoms at any time of year. Some people with SAD have mild or occasionally severe periods of mania during the spring or summer. If the symptoms are mild, no treatment may be necessary. If they are problematic, then a mood stabilizer such as Lithium might be considered. There is a smaller group of individuals who suffer from summer depression.

SAD is recognized in the DSM-IV (The American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual) as a subtype of major depressive episode. The classic major depression involves decreased appetite, decreased sleep, and often, poor appetite and weight loss. It has long been recognized that some depressed individuals had a "atypical depression" with increased sleep and appetite along with decreased energy. Some, but not all of these atypical individuals also had a seasonal pattern. Some people with winter depression also have mild or occasionally severe manic mood swings in the spring and summer. If these episodes are severe, the individual might be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. (formerly called manic depressive illness)

"Carol E. Watkins MD"

[kingsnthahole]

you are not alone, winter is my least favorite time of year, and i always sleep more during the winter and become less active. I have told my girlfriend and other friends that i think i have seasonal depression for about a year and a half now, i think because i used to play winter sports where i'd still be outside playing until mid-december. I always have felt very sluggish during the winter, and now im sleeping more, about 10-11 hours, whereas over the summer, i'm only sleeping about 6-8 hours, which is the reccomended amount...i guess theres only one cure...MOVE SOMEWHERE TROPICAL!!!

[ScareCrowAKA]

I use to feel this when I was younger. I would gain about 30lbs every winter and never feel like getting out of bed. However, not so much for the last couple of years. I don't know if I grew out of it or if its do to my weekly routine... of working rotating 12hr shifts Days/Eves/Nights, lifting weights for 2 hours 2 times a week, and drinking energy drinks all day long everyday.

[bkniefel]

How sick is the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn, I think that's just off the meter. I think Australia is on the bottom one.. San Diego is Tropical enough but I'm staying with my parents for awhile. Miss the board short beached winters.

[woohoosue]

I use to feel this when I was younger. I would gain about 30lbs every winter and never feel like getting out of bed. However, not so much for the last couple of years. I don't know if I grew out of it or if its do to my weekly routine... of working rotating 12hr shifts Days/Eves/Nights, lifting weights for 2 hours 2 times a week, and drinking energy drinks all day long everyday.

yup cant help how we feel ....or Can we...i like this...being proactive is key ...there are no problems only solutions yet to be recognized.... adding to energy drinks and excersize..... this is a great time for cleaning ..screw spring, u can go out and have fun in spring, now is the best time to clean out clothes you are not wearing anymore ...organizing your kitchen and closets...havent used it in a year? get it out of your life... while you are sorting trash/sell/donate to these items ....go ahead and price the items for your spring yard/garage sale before boxing them...
turn that frown upside down! get up! nip that SAD in the butt!

[Tomturkey46]

And wait for the Sunshine!!!!

The Turkey

[bkniefel]

I would rather not wait, I can't wait to be back in San Diego.. It is unacceptable for me to live in this type of climate for a long period of time. I do not do well in the Siberian winds. They say the sun is healthy for the body and mind. Something to think about other than the diagnosis. It surely affects me.