The Zohan

Jenny has been ill for a while and not quite herself. the docs diagnosed as Seasonal Affective Disorder.

I am just about to go of Googling this, does anyone on SN have it, or know about it or have any experiences or comments.

My experience of it is limitied to an episode of Northern Exposure and the 'light glasses' to help combat it.

New_scooby_04

iTrader: (4)

Paul- Have a look here mate


The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association#

In a nutshell; it's a form of depression induced by the reduced daylight hours of the winter months.

It's very treatable, adn depending on the severity of the symptoms (which varies between individuals), may not need need medication.

Ns04

Brendan Hughes

Paul, hoping you keep your sense of humour at this time, but can I say I see an irony in that she didn't want to stay in Dubai?

Best wishes. Lisbon's sunny but cold, turn up here and I'll buy you a pint

The Zohan

We have just had that very conversation Brendan

I think we will try tpo get a winter sun break in January, we where going to take the kids to Euro Disney but i think a run to the sun would be best.


I think it is very important that i do keep my sense of humour for her's and my sakes mate

Shark Man

It's why I'm always in Spain.

Seriously, it can be a problem...I go nocturnal and constantly feel drained during the day.

What I find does help to kick start things is dragging my **** out and doing something physically involving that pumps up some adrenalin - preferably outside in the cold. Bit difficult seeing most of daily work life involves driving desks

+Doc+

I find alcohol cures it but then it comes back, more alcohol I think!
Doc cold and

Simon 69

Many, many people suffer with this Paul, do varying degrees. Its far more common than people realise. We all feel better as soon as we get a sniff of Spring, dont we?

bob r

iTrader: (46)

Roll on Summer even if the sun doesn't put in much of an appearance the bright mornings and greenery all add to a more pleasant day.(and the car stays cleaner)

DCI Gene Hunt

Treatment by full spectrum lamps is effective, they're pricey but if used on a regular basis seem to counter the SAD effects

MikeCardiff

iTrader: (2)

I seem to get the opposite - really dont like the sun and cant wait for summer to be over, much prefer autumn and winter, but autumn in particular when it isnt too cold yet but the nights start drawing in.

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

I get a bit of Cabin Fever, frustrated that Friday to Monday I am in work and never see daylight, it helps to go for a brisk walk at lunchtime, easy as we are out in the middle of the Cheshire countryside.

I get really ground down at not being able to do anything outside, especially so if weekends are really wet like they have been recently, I really feel it Sunday afternoon, its really unpleasant and I think it has elements of SAD like symptoms, alcohol helps in the short term but it isnt a cure for anything except being sober.

So, go for a walk, eat well and nicking your mums Valium helps if all else fails....

Scoob99

iTrader: (1)

Paul what ever the outcome I wish you and Jenny all the best, keep your chin up mate.
Cheers
Colin

stilover

Slap her round the face, and tell her to get over it.

Scoob99

iTrader: (1)

Comments like that really help don't they
Cheers
Colin

richiewong

My sister moved back to the UK this year from Bermuda and although she doesn't have SAD she just found the lack of natural daylight depressing.

To help this she bought a light from Lumie which she says helps.

fast bloke

Her indoors has it in the undiagnosed form - A winter sunshine break doesn't help... nor do broad spectrum lamps. You have two choices

1. Buy all sorts of stuff in October - new house, new car, boat, motorhome, next years holidays, cloths, etc etc

2. Tell her on a daily basis that it is an irrational reaction to lack of suntan.

I find that option one is effective as a temporary cure, while option 2 may save your wallet, but not your sanity

The Zohan

Thank you all very much for the replies and also to thise who PM'd me as well.

Jenny feels somewhat better just by knowing what is wrong, she thought the worse - the big C!

We are looking at the options, and Jen will try the light box and also the herbal route prior to going onto presription medication.

Again, many thanks and happy Chrstmas

Scoob99

iTrader: (1)

Happy Christmas and a Happy new Year to you and Jen too mate
Cheers
Colin

Dave T-S

Paul

The missus also suffers quite badly from SAD, and found a light box does help.

Also, if Jenny finds getting up in the mornings difficult in the winter, a natural alarm clock from Lumie may help - it has for Lesley