Seasonal Affective Disorder. Call it what you will–the winter blues, winter depression, whatever. I have it. For years, I refused to acknowledge its presence in my life, thinking it would go away if I pretended the symptoms weren’t there. As I’ve gotten older, though, there is no ignoring the symptoms that persist despite all my best efforts to stave them off.
I am dismayed by how much my life changes with the season shifts and the light in my life is reduced. I’m also disappointed by how my concerns have been brushed aside by several primary care physicians over the years. One told me that my problems would be solved if I simply exercised more and lost that extra weight, which would give me more energy to tackle life.
Last year, I had to switch to a new primary care doctor. I appreciated his time in listening to my concerns, and then his thoroughness in covering all bases. He discovered my body is vitamin D deficient, and that my thyroid is underactive. I started taking mega doses of vitamin D, and started on medication to regulate my thyroid. I started feeling better and had tons of energy…but that also coincided with winter solstice and the days becoming longer.
So this autumn, I hoped the SAD wouldn’t be an issue with the extra vitamin D and the treatment of my hypothyroid. Alas, I’ve been let down. I’m struggling once again to keep my head above water and to keep telling myself that this, too, shall pass. The sun will shine again.
It just sucks in the meantime.
EDITED to close comments because I keep getting Russian spam.
I suffer from SAD, too.
It seems worse than usual this year – usually I make it through the holidays before I really feel down, but it’s already hit. I’m cranking up the Vit.D, going to the gym (almost) every weekday morning, and tanning 2-3x/wk. But nothing completely brings me out of the fog, it really alters my personality, and I hate that. I’m getting a happy light this year! Do you have one?
I’d be more surprised if you didn’t suffer from SAD where you are!
I do have a happy light. Must be diligent about using it.
Wow …. I am in the same boat that you are. EVERY year. You are doing the right thing by amping up your Vitamin D … they say that some people need nearly 5000 iu’s extra each day!SAD is a REAL condition that many doctors dismiss or just want to give you depression meds.
Hope you can find something each day that makes you feel better and full of light!