Seasonal Affective Disorder
Now, I am not an expert or anything but I think this could be the answer for what has been wrong with me for years!Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter. I feel this every year. I have always said I hate the cold and winter time.
"Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medications."
Fall and winter SAD
Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include:
Irritability
Tiredness or low energy
Problems getting along with other people
Hypersensitivity to rejection
Heavy, "leaden" feeling in the arms or legs
Oversleeping
Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain
Light therapy or Bright Light therapyis relatable because I used to use a tanning bed. The bright lights and warm surrounding really made me feel better, since I was going at least three times a week. But for a couple years now, I have no been tanning at all, 1) it is expensive and 2) it is harmful for your skin, doing it that frequently. So, now I have to find another way to help my SAD. (Yes, it is called SAD
)
Now, this is self-diagnosed, andI feel that I can manage it on my own. Now that I have dealt with it for years, and now have a greater understanding of it, I feel like I will be able to handle it better and know what is affecting me. I am not ashamed of it, but I feel that I am strong enough to work through it without a doctors treatment. It is a great feeling putting a name to what I have been going through.
Although, if anyone is feeling that this is getting the best of them and they are having harmful thoughts, then a doctor would be highlyrecommended.
Is there anyone else experiencing this?
Reference:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/definition/con-20021047
Its funny how we stubble upon the answer randomly that solves the biggest mystery of our lives. I dont struggle with SAD, instead I have Misophonia (also at this point self diagnosed). I sttumbled upon it one day, it was like a light bulb in my head came on, and I was like, this explains so much of why I felt/react in the ways I do. Btw, misophonia also called selective sound sensitivity syndrome, is a neurological disorder in where everyday noises can send you into blund rage or extreme anxiety.
My goodness, that is interesting. How do you cope?
Coping hasn't been the easiest, but I have 3 pairs of headphones, one in my purse/bag, one at home, and one in my car. I listen to music about 80% of the time I am out in public. I avoid movie theaters like the plague, and I run a louder fan for white noise in my apartment 100% of the time. Cold or hot, its running lol. I know the majority of my triggers, and because I seriously can't control my reactions, I try to avoid the triggers as much as possible.
Wow, kudos to you :) You seem to be doing a lot to help yourself and that is great. This must be something that is very hard to live with, and I am glad to see you are taking steps to handling it.
I know someone who also has this (undiagnosed). I've seen him so into a blind fury when my car alarm wouldn't switch off.
I also have misophonia! It's such a weird disorder to have to explain to people, they usually just stare at me strangely as if i have made it all up. Plus, it doesn't help when others exaggerate the noises that bother you because they just don't understand it.
I know! I tried to explain to one friend I trusted and they looked at me like I was saying I was from mars or something. Unless they personally have it, I find the majority of people are not very understanding about it. Its also very rare and almost unheard of. It just made it into the IDC 10 books (a medical book which lists pretty much every disease/illness/injury known to men) not that long ago. Most doctors have not even heard of it. I knew instantly I had it once I read the symptoms. I have had this since I was 11/12 years old and it just has progressively gotten worse with age. Its sad that I freak out when people even think of chewing/drinking around me because I cant stand the sound. :(
Yes no therapists Ihave seen even know about it! AndawhIhope it gets better I have actually gotten a lot better recently, I'm not sure how, but the sounds are a lot less noticeableand bothersome. It sounds like such an irrelvant disorder but it actually takes over your ability to function calmly. I hope yours improves soon!
Also, I have SAD and suffer every year. I know how horrid it can be.
Yes, SAD is very awful.
I am very glad to know what it is now, and be able to control it to some extent.
@catpower25 @laura
why not make this a community. I think this topics needs more attention. I've been trying to connect and find things that help. It's been a long road.
@catpower25 I
@1123788
When I made the choice to get some more control over SAD, I think it was a good decision. It does make the world an easier place to live in when solutions are worked through.
I experience this every single year, I am so ready for the sun and tanned skin, after a while the heat gets to me and Im eager for the cool weather, its like a horrible cycle. Id rather is be spring or fall all year round. I use to go to the tanning salon but its to dangerous and way to expensive.