S.A.D. Its started
Discussion
Noticed for the past few weeks that i lack energy and desire to get up, again. Pretty sure ive had this last couple of years too so i guess its SAD. I had a great summer, good routine, up early, motivated. Feel drained now.
Sure ive read a few threads over the years so im sure a few on here have experience of it but looking for any advice one could offer me. Should I see GP? Rather not take meds tbh unless there is a known miracle cure that people swear by.
Dont get me wrong I dont feel depressed but I lack the clarity I had a few months ago and recognise a pattern of this happening in recent years. Life could be better at the moment in relation to ny mrs and im worried if i dont take action now, when the SAD gets worse in a couple of months time I could find myself in a bad place.
Any advice or experiences appreciated,
Cheers
Sure ive read a few threads over the years so im sure a few on here have experience of it but looking for any advice one could offer me. Should I see GP? Rather not take meds tbh unless there is a known miracle cure that people swear by.
Dont get me wrong I dont feel depressed but I lack the clarity I had a few months ago and recognise a pattern of this happening in recent years. Life could be better at the moment in relation to ny mrs and im worried if i dont take action now, when the SAD gets worse in a couple of months time I could find myself in a bad place.
Any advice or experiences appreciated,
Cheers
MYOB said:
Sorry to hear this. No experiences to share but do those SAD lights/alarm clock work? Might be worth exploring.
I've tried an alarm that tries to predict when you are coming out of REM sleep in order to try to wake you in a less drowsy state, didn't really work to be honest. Not sure if others with a different methodology are out there?The lights I have seen and looked into but don't know anyone with any real world experiences of using them? Was kinda hoping this thread may prompt a response from someone who uses/used them?
I'm already sleeping with both sets of curtains fully open in my room in an attempt to get natural sun light in the morning, again with no real success.
gus607 said:
My missus swears by her SAD light, better than a clock light.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/maplin-10000-lux-full-si...
Thankshttp://www.maplin.co.uk/p/maplin-10000-lux-full-si...
So does she set this on a timer or something? DOes it have a built in timer, or do you put one on the plug if so? Does she set for before she wants to wake or at the exact time.
Sorry im clueless
crazy about cars said:
I've got an alarm clock which mimics sunrise which I've been using for 3 years. I believe it has helped.
I've also got a sad light which I use during winter to boost treatment if required.
Before purchasing make sure you do your research to ensure the devices are medically certified for SAD.
Thanks.I've also got a sad light which I use during winter to boost treatment if required.
Before purchasing make sure you do your research to ensure the devices are medically certified for SAD.
May I ask how an alarm mimics sunrise??
battered said:
It mimics sunrise by turning on a light very gradually, starting say an hour before you need to wake up. So over the "sunrise" period the room gradually gets more and more light, just like it does in the summer from 4 or 5 am. By the time the alarm goes off the room is fully lit. It gets you over the alarm going off in the dark shock that you get in winter.
768 said:
With the light gradually coming on rather than a screaming noise.
Thanks both. I'll look into them todayMobile Chicane said:
A couple of things that work for me:
Vitamin D supplement. If you spend all your time indoors or only ever go out splattered in Factor 50, you will be deficient in this vitamin.
A Berocca tablet (or the supermarket own label equivalent - they're identical) every day for vitamins B and C.
Oily fish for its omega oil content. I try to eat this a few times a week - either sardines mashed on toast or steamed wild Pacific salmon. Farmed salmon is horrible stuff, artificially coloured and crawling with antibiotics.
Lots of leafy green vegetables, either as they are or in the form of green juice, for their iron content. Iron is essential for the manufacture of serotonin which regulates mood, as well as a whole host of other things you really don't want to be deficient in. Men shouldn't need to take iron supplements, but if you drink a lot of coffee and have bad guts then you probably do.
'Structure' to life, in the form of a weekly activity or a goal oriented exercise programme. A few years ago now I trained for the Oxfam 100k Trailwalker challenge. No SAD for me that year!
Wake up lights / daylight lamps are supposed to work for some people, although I personally don't find that they do much for me.
Finally, drugs. A last resort, but do not underestimate how effective these can be. I've had SAD since I was ten years old, long before it had a name, or was acknowledged by the scientific community to even exist, so I have some idea how to manage it by now. If it gets to the point where I feel that I need to medicate, then I do. Modern SSRI drugs are very effective but it can be a bit hit and miss initially in identifying what will work best for you. Don't hesitate to go back to your GP if the first, second, or even third medication isn't helping.
Cheers for spending the time to write that.Vitamin D supplement. If you spend all your time indoors or only ever go out splattered in Factor 50, you will be deficient in this vitamin.
A Berocca tablet (or the supermarket own label equivalent - they're identical) every day for vitamins B and C.
Oily fish for its omega oil content. I try to eat this a few times a week - either sardines mashed on toast or steamed wild Pacific salmon. Farmed salmon is horrible stuff, artificially coloured and crawling with antibiotics.
Lots of leafy green vegetables, either as they are or in the form of green juice, for their iron content. Iron is essential for the manufacture of serotonin which regulates mood, as well as a whole host of other things you really don't want to be deficient in. Men shouldn't need to take iron supplements, but if you drink a lot of coffee and have bad guts then you probably do.
'Structure' to life, in the form of a weekly activity or a goal oriented exercise programme. A few years ago now I trained for the Oxfam 100k Trailwalker challenge. No SAD for me that year!
Wake up lights / daylight lamps are supposed to work for some people, although I personally don't find that they do much for me.
Finally, drugs. A last resort, but do not underestimate how effective these can be. I've had SAD since I was ten years old, long before it had a name, or was acknowledged by the scientific community to even exist, so I have some idea how to manage it by now. If it gets to the point where I feel that I need to medicate, then I do. Modern SSRI drugs are very effective but it can be a bit hit and miss initially in identifying what will work best for you. Don't hesitate to go back to your GP if the first, second, or even third medication isn't helping.
I work indoors for most of the day, IT. I have a lot of holidays but then back to the office again so I guess we are talking about more consistent sun. Although I try to get out it's often not for long so I think some Vitamin D will be on the shopping list.
Already on the Beroccas once a day, I noticed ages ago that feel better when I take those so they already form part of my daily diet.
Funny you say oily fish, I've found myself eating more and more of it lately, perhaps my body telling me what it needs. Been eating a lot of decent salmon so will continue.
Green Veg - Not so much, I will start to factor this in. I also think with your comments in relation to iron supplements that I should probably start taking them along with the vitD and see if I notice a difference.
I'm trying to hit the gym more than usual, either for cardio sessions or Squash matches but most I can manage is twice a week at a push due to commitments, one of those being a few beers a couple of times a week with my mates. I'm guessing this isn't helping.
I think given the lack of 'see the GP' responses, I will give it a few weeks on the above and see how I feel. If it continues then GP and lamps/alarms will need to be the next step.
Well i enjoy cooking and good fresh food so i'd hope to have a good ish diet, one takeaway a week, nothing microwave. 6ft 1 in / 12.5stone
Gym twice a week with dog walks in between. Im finding the gym is really lifting me out of the slump, if only it were closer i would go first thing each morning. Maybe I should consider some exercise I can in the home before work to snap me up.
Either way ive been to the chemist earlier and have what you guys recommend so i'll see how i get on over next couple of weeks.
Thanks
Gym twice a week with dog walks in between. Im finding the gym is really lifting me out of the slump, if only it were closer i would go first thing each morning. Maybe I should consider some exercise I can in the home before work to snap me up.
Either way ive been to the chemist earlier and have what you guys recommend so i'll see how i get on over next couple of weeks.
Thanks
Not a good start to the week.
Woke up naturally about 6:30 and should have got up, thought I'd get another hour which basically ruined me, felt shattered all morning. Why do I repeat this mistake so often, wake up early feeling fine, FFS go and seize the day, I'm actually angry at myself, again!
Had my Vitamin D, my multivitamin, a capsule with iron/cod liver etc and about to have a berocca, no doubt I'll be fine this afternoon but this morning has been a write off. Thank god for coffee.
I did try smashing out some sit ups and press ups once up which helped a bit and I'm looking forward to getting down to the gym later.
Maybe one of these lights needs ordering sooner rather than later based on above comments. Hope your Monday morning was better than mine
Woke up naturally about 6:30 and should have got up, thought I'd get another hour which basically ruined me, felt shattered all morning. Why do I repeat this mistake so often, wake up early feeling fine, FFS go and seize the day, I'm actually angry at myself, again!
Had my Vitamin D, my multivitamin, a capsule with iron/cod liver etc and about to have a berocca, no doubt I'll be fine this afternoon but this morning has been a write off. Thank god for coffee.
I did try smashing out some sit ups and press ups once up which helped a bit and I'm looking forward to getting down to the gym later.
Maybe one of these lights needs ordering sooner rather than later based on above comments. Hope your Monday morning was better than mine
S10GTA said:
MitchT said:
I noticed this kicking off. September 22 (for me) was like tripping a switch. Suddenly a creeping sense of menacing darkness and inevitability hanging over me like a cloud where the day before there had been nothing. It's the same every year. I've usually adjusted by mid-November and don't really notice anymore, though spring and the first day that I feel the sun on the back of my neck is always like a weight off my shoulders.
Wow, that's exactly how I feel. I've been meaning to purchase one of the wake up lights for years, this thread has just made me finally order one. Can't stand waking up in the dark day after day. I'm luckier than some in the sense I get to ride my bike to work daily which helps but don't get in my way if I've woken in the dark and then had to drive to work. Double trouble.
Haven't told the other half I've purchased one tho..
Dave2P said:
Another middle-aged, SAD-suffering IT bod checking in here...
OP - you are definitely not alone (as evidenced by all the replies with good advice here); I think SAD is way more common than people realise. I've suffered badly from it, as has my good lady, but we can keep it at bay now we've recognised it.
Two things work for us; exercise and light. Combine the two for best effect and, whatever else you do, seize every opportunity to take a walk outside - to your local shop, to get a sarnie at lunchtime, any excuse really. We're lucky enough to live by the sea (actually, have stretched ourselves on the rent to do so - very much due to us both getting SAD) and that really helps with the light.
Your profile says you're in the Midlands so the sea might be a big ask, but if you can find a lake to walk by or a hill to climb to get you up and under a big sky that won't do any harm. Try the sunrise lights (friend of mine swears by them) and all the advice above; plenty of options before you need the GP. Good luck!
Yep seems like a few of us fall foul of this! We all seem to work in bloody IT too!! Luckily I have a dog so frequent walks are not a problem and I recognise the benefit of some fresh air and day light so will try as you say to regularly undertake a stroll however short.OP - you are definitely not alone (as evidenced by all the replies with good advice here); I think SAD is way more common than people realise. I've suffered badly from it, as has my good lady, but we can keep it at bay now we've recognised it.
Two things work for us; exercise and light. Combine the two for best effect and, whatever else you do, seize every opportunity to take a walk outside - to your local shop, to get a sarnie at lunchtime, any excuse really. We're lucky enough to live by the sea (actually, have stretched ourselves on the rent to do so - very much due to us both getting SAD) and that really helps with the light.
Your profile says you're in the Midlands so the sea might be a big ask, but if you can find a lake to walk by or a hill to climb to get you up and under a big sky that won't do any harm. Try the sunrise lights (friend of mine swears by them) and all the advice above; plenty of options before you need the GP. Good luck!
I went a saw the GP who advised similar but also put me forward for CBT which following a telephone interview was deemed unnecessary! He did prescribe a low dose course of sertraline during the winter months which after a few days of feeling a bit odd seemed to be working. I'm happy to report that alongside the Vit C, D iron, cod liver oil etc I seem to have more energy and I'm back to being able to wake myself up and back to my previous concentration levels. I'm happy I have done something about it this year and feel in future years I'll be more prepared for it. Not got a light yet but still sleeping with the curtains open for some daylight first thing. Good luck to you all
RicksAlfas said:
jonamv8 said:
I'm preying that I start getting a bit better with these lighter mornings as the last month has been a killer!
Did you get a big happy lamp?I have mine on every morning for 30 mins.
Makes a big difference.
Although I must say, today, what a morning. Had my coffee outside in the garden with the dog, lovely bright day and guess what a lovely bright attitude to go with it!
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