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.
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.
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.