"I am often sad and down in the dumps...I feel empty"

[Lancecastor]

Do You Get The Winter Blues?

"I am often sad and down in the dumps...I feel empty...I sometimes feel like crying."

Is this you?

Do you have these symptoms?

1. carbohydrate cravings, especially for sweets and/or starches
2. increased appetite and/or weight gain
3. oversleeping or difficulty awakening in the morning
4. reduced work productivity
5. withdrawal from social contacts

Winter Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an illness that affects people's mood and behaviors.

Research suggests that SAD may affect as many as 11 million people in the United States.

About 70-80% of those with SAD are women.

SAD is recognized in the DSM-IV (The American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual) as a subtype of major depressive episode.

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.

http://www.ncpamd.com/seasonal.htm
http://info.med.yale.edu/psych/clinics/winterdep.html

 

[zipman]

How many of the symptoms do you have to display to be considered as being affected by SAD?

I know someone who just sleeps a hell of a lot more.

 

[Ham Murabi]

The last time I was by polar occurred when I was hunting above the arctic circle. The bear is now a rug in front of my fireplace.

 

[sterlingclay]

I'm not SAD. I'm hibernating.

 

[Lancecastor]

How many of the symptoms do you have to display to be considered as being affected by SAD?

I know someone who just sleeps a hell of a lot more.

There is no definitive test, but most depressions are characterized by behavioral changes such as sleeping lots more than the person used to.

Women between 25-35 in particular are prone to SAD...read the links, you'll see that light therapy is worth a shot before thinking doctors and lithium.

Besides, who doesn't like a visit to the electric beach once or twice a week in winter for a tan?



Lance

 

[acitore_vuli]

No wonder polar bears are so aggressive.

 

[Mia62]

I swear that I have that...but I counteract it with reallllllly good antidepressants and count the days til spring.

 

[zipman]

There is no definitive test, but most depressions are characterized by behavioral changes such as sleeping lots more than the person used to.

Women between 25-35 in particular are prone to SAD...read the links, you'll see that light therapy is worth a shot before thinking doctors and lithium.

Besides, who doesn't like a visit to the electric beach once or twice a week in winter for a tan?



Lance

But this person displays no other symptoms of depression, just an increased need for sleep during the winter by about 3 hours a night.

 

[MissTaken]

Do anyone think that some people may demonstrate these symptoms as a result of inactivity brought on by being shut in during the cold winter months?

SAD is another one of those overused diagnosis, imho.

On the other hand, those that I know who sincerely struggle with SAD, have a difficult time.

Things like tanning booths and sun lamps are good things barring an ability to escape to warmer climes for the winter!

 

[Lancecastor]

But this person displays no other symptoms of depression, just an increased need for sleep during the winter by about 3 hours a night.

If there's a corresponding "Spring Fever" pattern, it's probably just evidence of a degree of bi-polarity within societal/medical norms...

Women's endocrines are delicate things.... so who knows??? Maybe she needs more chocolate and foot massages.

What am I anyway, Dr Frickin' Phil here?



Lance

 

[Bidin~Time]

My husband is one that has problems like that in the winter. Almost every "symptom" cited, so from late Oct. thru mid March, life here is a roller coaster.

 

[MissTaken]

Increasing one's activity level in the winter can help with all those symptoms, as well.

Indoor gyms are great.

Ummm making snow men or chasing little ones around the skating rink is fun.

Fresh air, sunshine and excercise come highly recommended whether you are depressed or just have the winter blah's.

 

[Mia62]

SAD is another one of those overused diagnosis, imho.

I don't agree with you on this one. I believe in SAD implicitly...I think it is a totally UNDERdiagnosed problem, imho.

Think of all the antidepressants that wouldn't have to be taken if a proper diagnosis was made.

 

[MissTaken]

I don't agree with you on this one. I believe in SAD implicitly...I think it is a totally UNDERdiagnosed problem, imho.

Think of all the antidepressants that wouldn't have to be taken if a proper diagnosis was made.

Hmmm

I think I was thinking in terms of depression, in general.

Also, I was thinking of all those who claim to have SAD when in reality they would again, benefit from diet and excercise.

But yes, you are absolutely right. Many are diagnosed with Depresson or Anxiety Disorders when in fact, SAD, less likely to be chemically treated, is a more appropriate diagnosis.

I stand corrected.

edited to add: It is getting late and I probably should stay away from threads that require intelligent responses!




I guess I just think that doctors are quick to diagnose and treat with medication rather than assisting people to change their lifestyle.

 

[zipman]

Hmmm

I think I was thinking in terms of depression, in general.

Also, I was thinking of all those who claim to have SAD when in reality they would again, benefit from diet and excercise.

But yes, you are absolutely right. Many are diagnosed with Depresson or Anxiety Disorders when in fact, SAD, less likely to be chemically treated, is a more appropriate diagnosis.

I stand corrected.




I guess I just think that doctors are quick to diagnose and treat with medication rather than assisting people to change their lifestyle.

While I agree with much of what you said, I also think that over the last few years, science has determined that chemical imbalances are indeed the cause of a lot of depression related illnesses. Changing behavior does not change the chemical ratios that may be causing those behaviors.

 

[Bidin~Time]

While I agree with much of what you said, I also think that over the last few years, science has determined that chemical imbalances are indeed the cause of a lot of depression related illnesses. Changing behavior does not change the chemical ratios that may be causing those behaviors.

For milder cases, the endorphines released when exercising have the same effect as paxil or some of the other popular prescribed meds. So a change in lifestyle, such as increasing exercise, can have a positive effect.

 

[SpiceCake]

Between Christmas and my birthday are the hardest weeks of the year. I have SAD very severly some years. Some things that have helped me are getting outside during the day and getting fresh air, eat plenty of fresh fruits (especially summer type fruits) and I take Geritol every day!

 

[Gusty Wind]

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Ha..gEes you are the smart one you got it .`Hint*

That's why I Like about.

My Brain .

Do You Get The Winter Blues?

"I am often sad and down in the dumps...I feel empty...I sometimes feel like crying."

Is this you?

Do you have these symptoms?

1. carbohydrate cravings, especially for sweets and/or starches
2. increased appetite and/or weight gain
3. oversleeping or difficulty awakening in the morning
4. reduced work productivity
5. withdrawal from social contacts

Winter Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is an illness that affects people's mood and behaviors.

Research suggests that SAD may affect as many as 11 million people in the United States.

About 70-80% of those with SAD are women.

SAD is recognized in the DSM-IV (The American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual) as a subtype of major depressive episode.

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.

http://www.ncpamd.com/seasonal.htm
http://info.med.yale.edu/psych/clinics/winterdep.html