Symptoms Of Seasonal Depression

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Q: Form of seasonal affective disorder and night shift?
I work nights and know that I’m tired but something dawned on me today when I couldn’t sleep and went outside in the sun. I used to live in the midwest (usa) and suffered from SAD (seasonal affective disorder) I now live in a sunny state (Arizona) but since I work the night shift I am always in the darkness. It’s not too light when I get off. When I do get to sleep I wake up when it’s dark again. I am just wondering if as well of the lack of sleep, I may be suffering a form of SAD since I’m never in the sunshine. Have there been any studies about this? The thought of it just came today and it would explain some of the depression symptoms besides the lack of sleep. Thank you for anyone who could look into this for me.
I guess I don’t need to invest in any light therapy because I could just go sit in the sun for awhile here in AZ. The only problem being, it would cut into my sleep time. I think I may have to get a day job. I hate to think I would have to quit my job because all the other aspects of my job are wonderful. I hate having to quit over one stupid little thing that is in fact the biggest thing…depression because of lack of sunshine

A: Hi sweet heart it.not only sun light or sleep,it’s your mind and your body,which is revolting against the system you are going so long.
If you see around you find always change around you,even in your house,your bed room your kitchen,your car etc you like to change things there lying from long time other wise the get dusty and rusty,same is with your mind and body,they also need some change and some rest and some light,that is the reason to have free days in week and holidays in year.
Best is first talk to you boss as I told same in your question before also.And ask him to change your shift and hours,if you need job badly they also need good worker like you,I don’t know how old you are,tell your boss if he don’t change you will quiet and before you quite look some other job,because to find new job is also difficult with your age factor,BUT YOUR HEALTH IS ON FIRST PLACE BECAUSE YOU YOU GET SICK YOU LOOSE JOB AND HEALTH so talk to your uncle boss and try to find some solution on same job.Rest we will see later what happens.wish you good luck and good health.Love you and warm hugs.
Your Friend and well wisher.

Q: Can weight loss or gain have an effect on seasonal allergy symptoms?
I had seasonal (autumn) allergies as a kid. I’m 32 now. I haven’t had allergies probably since I was about 20 or so. In the last year or so, I’ve gained maybe 20-30 pounds (Ew. I think because I’ve been drinking more than usual…started biking again to try to lose it). Now for the last month or so, I’ve been having allergy symptoms. It’s pretty much only in the morning, but occasionally I’ll have a sneeze attack in the late evening too. Could this have anything to do with the weight gain? Or maybe the extra alcohol kind of made a detriment to my immune system? I’m healthy otherwise. I mean I’m vegan, very rarely get sick at all, not even colds…just have been having issues lately which have led to drinking more & lack of exercise, etc. Really probably a bit of actual clinical depression, but who the f*ck knows. I live in America & can’t afford health care other than free clinics which pretty much only treat emergencies or common viruses & such. :/

A: this shouldnt really happen unless your sniffing herbs or sumthing then you should be fine witha healthy diet

Q: Seasonal Affective Disorder early spring symptoms of hyperness then irritability but no mania?
I have been diagnosed with SAD and ADD for many years. I find that I have uncomfortable symptoms with the changing of ANY season (though crippling fatigue with depression severe in winter). My body is super sensitive and I have migraines and mood swings even if the weather changes are due to a brief storm. Has any one else had experience with yoyo-ing from very happy and hyper to PMS irritable in March when spring is just starting (near DC on the eastern shore)? I have heard of spring setting off Mania but I have never had a true manic episode just extra mood swingy? I liken it to a month long episode of PMS.

A: I have a lot of very similar symptoms. In the winter in a temperate climate in Australia I had SAD and was very depressed. Then I moved to the tropics and became photophobic, couldn’t stand the glare of the light and became highly anxious. I fixed the SAD by using homemade blue LED light glasses which I wore for an hour a day, shining blue led lights into my eyes. When I moved to the tropics, my problem was too much blue light and I coped with the added anxiety by using red led lights which instantly calmed me and made me feel very blissful.

I believe the secret to dealing with these type of conditions is through light therapy because it has been the only thing to really help me. I am also a weather sensitive like you.

See if you can find someone in your area that will work with you and coloured light. It is possible to buy little torches with color filters to use yourself.

Q: I have a few questions about seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?
So a few months ago a started to feel a little down. It seemed pretty normal to me and I didn’t really notice (until now when I look back). I started writing poetry and what I wrote always shocked me, it was some pretty grim stuff. I also got into a lot of really sad music, not just for the sound but because they lyrics were really good and I felt I could relate. Whenever it got into the evening I would feel extremely sad and overwhelmed and alone and I had no idea why. I also felt like my friends, and the world, were all out to get me. I felt like every day I put on a facade so no one would realize anything was wrong. I desperately wanted someone to save me but at the same time I didn’t want anyone to help. I was, at some points, ready to kill myself if I had the means to. I couldn’t understand what made me feel so down and figured there was no other way to fix it.

The other things that I just heard was a symptom of depression was sleeping a lot. And lately, the past week or so, I just seem to need so much more sleep than I used to. I’m usually fine with 7 or 8 but today and yesterday I actually could not get out of bed until I had 10 hours, I also started sleeping through my alarm.

But I have started feeling a lot better with the whole sadness thing. Though I do still feel the same way to some extent, it’s getting better. I started taking Omega-3, Vitamin C and D so I was wondering if that could be why. The weather is also improving a lot. It’s getting sunnier, the days are longer, it’s not freezing cold anymore. So could that play a role in me feeling better?

I didn’t exactly snap out of it, but over the past week or two I’ve been steadily feeling more happy. Now I’m able to look back on the past few months and realize that that’s not how I should feel.

But more importantly, do you think I suffer(ed) from SAD? My mom suffered from major depression as a teenager and my dad now has depression. I’m not sure if it’s hereditary though.

A: Well, Sweetheart, I am so glad that you are starting to feel better now! You certainly could have been suffering from SAD. The Vitamin D supplements that you are taking will help tremendously with that, as we get this vitamin from the sunshine. In rainy weather or during the winter, our Vitamin D source is severely lacking and that can cause the feelings you described. Doctors treat SAD with Vitamin D and sometimes use a specific light source designed for patients who suffer from this illness.
However, depression is hereditary and if you find yourself slipping back into your previous behavior, please tell your parents so they will be aware of your feelings. Perhaps they may want you to speak to a counselor if the feelings persist. The suicidal thoughts are particularly disconcerting, and if you have them again, you MUST talk to someone about them. You could even call a helpline in your phone directory to speak with someone who will understand your feelings. Sometimes just knowing that you are not alone will help, but please don’t ever consider that option. Most everyone has thoughts of loneliness or fear at one time or another, and it helps to share them with a friend or loved one. Chances are, they have had those same emotions themselves.
But it sounds like you may just be ready for spring! Isn’t it beautiful? Get outside a take a 20 minute walk in the afternoons after school and smell the flowers blooming and get those wonderful rays of the sun on your pretty face. Ride your bicycle or get your mom out of the house with you and take a stroll around your neighborhood – it will be good for both of you!
I hope this answers your question, my dear, and I hope that the sun ALWAYS shines on you!

Q: Is there a such thing as yearly depression?
Every year around the same time I get depressed, even before I had a traumatizing experience a couple of years ago. Usually between January and February. I know there is a depression that is seasonal, but the symptoms that were for the winter I’m getting in the early spring. I was just wondering if there is a reason for this, and why does it happen only this time of year? Is it because of my bad experience? Also is there is a special name?
This might have nothing to do with this but I get these weird freak out moments when I am with a group of people who care about me, and all of a sudden I have to leave the room and take like an hour drive, to calm myself down. I don’t know why this happens I just get up and leave, without thinking what I’m doing. And ofcourse I always feel like crying.

A: You’re talking about two different things. One is SAD seasonal affective disorder which occurs when there is little sun. Our brains need the sun to create a chemical that we need to for controlling our feelings. The other is a depression that we get around the anniversary of a traumatic event. It’s not unusual for people to become depressed around the time that something bad has happened to them. That’s part of Post traumatic stress disorder. Or PTSD you should talk to some one about your feelings and learn how to get a hold of the situation you might require some medication around this time of the year if the depression gets to the point where you can’t function.

Q: Am I depressed, or is it just my personality?
So, in my psychology class at school we have been researching the different forms of depression like melancholic depression, atypical depression, seasonal depression etc. and when we where going over the symptoms of Melancholic Depression it seemed to describe me in every way. Now, we’ve also done in depth personality tests and I am a Pure Melancholic. Some of the behaviors of the Melancholic Personality match up with the symptoms of Melancholic Depression that I have and now I have gotten myself really confused as to whether or not I should be concerned about my mental health and go see a doctor or if it is just my personality. I hope this makes sense.

some help to untangle my confusion would be greatly appreciated.

A: The answer to your question really boils down to this: do the melancholic parts of your personality keep you from enjoying life or keep you from functioning normally (whatever is normal for you)? If you are getting along fine emotionally, then it shouldn’t be something you worry about. If it had been troubling you before you were able to identify it, you may want to talk to a counselor.

Q: Are you depressed right now?
I keep seeing many questions about depression and my fingers are getting tired from answering all of them!

So, here is a list to help those of you who are feeling depressed.

I hope this helps! : )

1) There are different types of depressions. Teens who are depressed usually are because their hormones are unbalanced and that causes emotional and physical changes in the body. When these level out, so do the mood changes.

2) There are different types of depression. One of the most common is situational–such as a death, divorce, major move, job loss, etc. Situational-type depression usually fades when the situation improves.

Clinical depression is more serious and requires regular therapy and usually medication if there are mental health issues that involve suicide for example.

And then there are depressions caused by food, allergies, weather and a host of other things. Eating junk foods, drinking sodas, alcohol and taking street drugs will send some people into a depression very easily. Weather in certain regions can affect you too–SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is caused by lack of sunlight.

3) An easy way to help yourself is to get sun either by going outside for 10 minutes or more, or by getting a special light box. Taking vitamin D helps a great deal too, for all depressions, since most people are lacking it in their diets. Taking a vitamin D pill with at least 1000 IU’s helps many people regain a better mood. Get exercise everyday–it helps to boost endorphins in your brain–the “feel good” chemical. Eating healthy makes a difference, what you put into your body can have affects besides weight gain, it can change your moods. Sugar is one of the worst offenders, so is caffeine and junk foods.

4) Supplements that can help are the old standby St. John’s Wart, but an even newer one is Phenocane, once used for painful joints. They found it lifted peoples moods!

5) Seeking out a counselor for talk therapy does wonders. Studies have proven that “unloading” with a counselor can help get it out of your mind and out in the open. Working on traumas; abuse, abandonment, etc., is essential to move on in life. Learning coping skills is essential, not everyone is taught how to deal with life’s problems. You can find counselors who work on a sliding scale, making it affordable and some churches and health clinics have free or very low cost counselors too. No need to go to a high priced psychiatrist unless you need meds.

6) Get a physical to make sure you don’t have a physical problem that is causing your depression. Things like diabetes, thyroid imbalances, anemia, all can cause depression symptoms.

If you are depressed, I hope you have found an answer here that will begin to make you feel much better.
Blappers, you sound like YOU need some counseling!

A: Well I’m certainly not depressed but that was good info for anyone who is! Good for you trying to help people

Katie

Q: Singulair w/ depression as a side effect?
I have asthma and have been on Singulair for +/- 6 months. I have experienced the rages, depression, suicidal thoughts, self loathing thoughts, etc. being reported on the news. I am in my 30’s and wondering if anyone else can share or add light on this. It has been a horrific experience and a relief to discover that I am not losing my mind. The conclusive studies on the link between Singulair and depression/suicidal thoughts will not be completed for months, but from what I have read and experienced it cannot be mere coincidence. I do not feel that the drug should be taken off the market- it has helped a lot of people as well and been a life changing medication for them- but I think a screening process should be initiated by the medical community. I have dealt with seasonal depression for 20 years and know the signs/symptoms/and how to cope and work through it though every few years I will need an antidepressant. This depression has been extremely more severe. Thanks!

A: You should definitely talk to your doctor about what you are experiencing.
For me personally, the news kinda bothered me at first because I am taking Lexapro for an anxiety disorder and depression. Anyone who takes SSRI’s knows that they put you at elevated risk for suicide, severe depression, etc. So it concerned me that I am now taking two medications that may increase the risk of suicide.
I talked to my therapist and will talk to my doctor about it.
With SSRI’s you have to evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of the drug compared to the side-effects, risks and such. I’m sure that this Singulair thing will turn out to be a similar situation.

Q: Anyone else in the UK with S.A.D. had their winter blues kick in early?
The dreary weather, the lack of sunshine – any other Brits with Seasonal Affective Disorder come out with their usual symptoms of depression, mood swings, lethargy and craving for certain foods, in spite of the fact that it’s July?

A: Oddly enough I had just blogged about this on myspace.
I have never suffered from S.A.D before (or not recognized that I had), but this summer’s weather has caused me to suffer from depression-like symptoms, although it could be a mixture of that and domestic matters.

Q: How do I know if I am suffering from depression?
My parents both suffer from depression, and my doctor has suggested I may have seasonal affective disorder, but how do i know if i am suffering, what are the symptoms? and why do i not feel depressed everyday? am i weird because of this? if my parents have it and the help given to them did very little, how i do stand a chance? is this normal in people my age (18)?

A: Everyone has slightly different symptoms for depression. Some of the common ones for teens include:
-feelings of hopelessness, negativity, and pessimism
-loss of interest in participation in hobbies and activities once enjoyed including clubs, art, academics
-sudden changes in friends
-seemingly persistent sad, anxious, or listless behaviour
-decreased energy or seeming “slowed down”
-sleep disturbances including both insomnia or oversleeping
-major amounts of weight loss or gain in short periods of time, and changes in normal appetite
-restlessness or irritability
-physical pains such as headaches or stomach problems that do not respond to treatment
-expressions of feeling worthlessness or helplessness
-indications of suicidal thoughts or attempts

If you get some of these during winter only, you may have SAD. If you have them all year, it could be depression. I believe the clinical standard for depression is two weeks without a good day, so one here and there doesn’t count for much. It’s not weird. (Also, if it is SAD, those could be the days when there is more sunlight.) I don’t think you should worry too much because of your parents’ reactions to treatment, every person is different.

Q: I need to drop this quarter, help?
I’m an international student experiencing snow for the first time in my life. I’m a good student with an OK GPA. This quarter, my academic performance is bad. I was told that In order to drop classes (finals are next week) I need a medical letter written by doctors or therapists to show my university that I’m in bad condition now. I’ve been really lazy this quarter skipping most of my classes and oversleeping (10-12 hours of sleep aren’t enough). My memory isn’t as good as it used to be and I have depression symptoms, an academic advisor at my university said that I might have S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder). Now, I don’t know where to go to get this letter and what to tell therapists/doctors. I’m really disappointed at my grades this quarter and I can’t let it affect my overall GPA. Please, help me with what I should tell the doctors to get such a letter and I’m willing to get tested. (also lately I’ve been having a meal a day and sometimes I can’t finish it, which has caused my weight to drop and this overall tiredness).

My depression’s symptoms are mostly psychological like my poor appetite, memory issues, oversleeping and feeling tired and sad all the time (my weight loss and the exhausted look that I have being physical)

I tried asking this question in the health section but I was getting random answers. I believe that you guys are capable of answering such a question here in this section.

I’d appreciate your help,
Thanks
I haven’t been seeing a doctor, I talked to my academic advisor about this and he understood. He told me to see a doctor now.

A: If you have been seeing a doctor / therapists since the semester started, go to their office and talk to them – they will give you the necessary paper work to receive a medical withdraw.

If you have been doing nothing about your medical condition, you are SOL. I couldn’t imagine a single credible university accepting a medical withdraw if you went to a therapist for one day before a final just to claim you are depressed.

Q: Can’t take it anymore, what should I do?
I’m an international student experiencing snow for the first time in my life. I’m a good student with an OK GPA. This quarter, my academic performance is bad. and In order to drop classes this quarter (finals are next week) I need a medical letter written by doctors or therapists. I’ve been really lazy this quarter skipping most of my classes and oversleeping (10-12 hours of sleep aren’t enough). My memory isn’t as good as it used to be and I have depression symptoms, an academic advisor at my university said that I might have S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder). Now, I don’t know where to go to get this letter and what to tell therapists/doctors. I’m really disappointed at my grades this quarter and I can’t let it affect my overall GPA. Please, help me with what I should tell the doctors to get such a letter and I’m willing to get tested. (also lately I’ve been having a meal a day and sometimes I can’t finish it, which has caused my weight to drop and this overall tiredness).

I’d appreciate your help,
Thanks

A: When did you realize that you might be suffering of SAD? I think it is kinda late now since finals are next week. I would get out of bed and start looking for clinics or doctors that are willing to give u this letter.

Q: What are my options regarding SAD/Cylocthimia?
The last 2 winters have almost killed me because of seasonal depression and this year, for a month or so, ive been experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder. I want to move so much that i need to. It tears my soul to pieces just to think about it. My parents have been talking about moving for job-related reasons, but haven’t acted upon it. What can I do if they decide not to move? I can’t survive another 3 years of hell. Is there anything I can do?

A: See a doctor about anti depressants or get yourself a light box. Light boxes are proven to help the symptoms of SAD and with a prescription your insurance may even pay for it.

Q: Wat mental disorder could this be?
Im 18 and i feel like something is wrong with me. A few years ago i was diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). but I feel like its more than just that. I have most of the symptoms of depression, weak, tired, unmotivated, not happy, bad self image, and suicidal thoughts. But sometimes im happy and feel like im the coolest person and i can do anything i want, almost sounds like bipolar but im not sure. Its on and off. Im also very paranoid i feel like everyone doesn’t like me and they are all fake or idk i feel like my friends aren’t really my friends and stuff. I also feel like everyone is bad and I can’t trust anyone.
I also think about doing stuff that i would actually never do.
I also randomly get very angry and just want to hit something.
I have very low self confidence in just about everything i do. Ex. I think im really bad at basketball despite the fact that im an all-american and on a full scholarship for college, i just think i suck at everything

I make up crazy scenarios in my head, Its like i almost make up my own life in my head because i dont think mine is good enough

i look to the future and dont see any good.

thinks like that what do you think it could be?

A: You really need to see a doctor. If you don’t have one, call your local mental health department. They will give you a recommendation to a doctor. This in something that could be simply treated with meds or therapy (probably both). It is good that you recognize you have a problem. You want to deal with this as soon as possible – your future depends on it. I for one would like to see you playing on a college basketball team! Take care and God bless.

Q: Seasonal Affective Disorder?I am 15?
Do I have seasonal affective disorder? I am 15 years and I have never been the most upbeat kid but since I was in 5th grade I seem to get more down when winter comes around, but I am alright when the weather gets better. I have started smoking and drinking to make me feel better.
Symptoms-feelings of helplessness, *hopelessness, and *sadness
thoughts of death/suicide
*concentration problems
forgetfulness
*day time sleepiness
I have researched sleep and depression and those are just some symptoms that seemed to fit. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
or is this just nomal for a kid my age?

A: <>

Yes, you probably do have seasonal affective disorder in a sense. In the winter you feel sadder. That’s because you are trapped indoors with chemicals that affect your nervous system, hence brain chemistry balance. Not all people get that. You do.

You are very smart to read about your condition. However, don’t do the alcohol / tobacco thing. How do you think those industries make some of their money? From people who feel sad and become addicted for life!!. Plus both intoxicants have a rebound affect. When they wear off, they make sad feelings feel even worse.

Detoxify your home if you can. Get a parent’s help if you can. Get rid of everything scented. Read my answer to the question below. Good luck!!

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