SADD that time of the year

[sundial]

I haven't been outside in 4 days and I'm getting buggy. I really want to play in the sleet but my bike won't appreciate it.

[Red Rock]

I am excitied for the days to be getting longer too! Yea. I look forward to that as much as anything else this time of year. When we have had nice days around here, I have tried to make an effort to go for walks for about an hour or so. I think I have been a happier camper also.

[michelem]

Still waiting for my lamp . . . these rainy, dark days are really wearing on me. Plus, I'm thinking that some of it is post-marathon let-down as well . . .

[sundial]

Can you get outside for 30 minutes or so?

[michelem]

sundial,

I have no desire to go outside when it is dark and rainy! :Yesterday, the sun was out for a portion of the day so I went out to my car during lunch as a way to get some sunlight through the car windows, but protect myself from the cold wind. Pretty much every day for the past two weeks has been either foggy or rainy . . . not much sunlight whatsoever. My lamp is supposed to arrive tomorrow!

[salsabike]

Three more days...

[Kalidurga]

I have no desire to go outside when it is dark and rainy! :Yesterday, the sun was out for a portion of the day so I went out to my car during lunch as a way to get some sunlight through the car windows, but protect myself from the cold wind. Pretty much every day for the past two weeks has been either foggy or rainy . . . not much sunlight whatsoever.

That's it exactly. It's very easy to recommend that someone with SADD just go spend some time outside, but if the weather's crappy that ain't gonna do much good 'cause the crappy weather is a contributing factor. I can't tell you how many days off I've had when it's been grey, drizzly and/or cold, then the clouds break and the sun comes out on the day I go back to work. I could go out and ride or hike on those grey, drizzly days, but the weather conditions end up affecting my mood and leave me feeling as gloomy as the sky looks.

I'm very interested in hearing what results you get from your lamp, michelem.

[Selkie]

Kali - I got a Verilux happy light this year, and I use it every morning when I arrive at work. I also started taking Vitamin D. Both have helped. I've actually thought about getting a happy light for home, too.

The weather here has been so dreary and not at all conducive to being outside, which has not helped at all. Raining again today and predicted for Sunday, Christmas Eve, etc. Take it easy on yourself. Do something sinful, like bake cookies and eat a few of them. T

[sundial]

It's very easy to recommend that someone with SADD just go spend some time outside....

I've got it too. I wasn't trying to be flippant about it.

[MerryKate39]

That's it exactly. It's very easy to recommend that someone with SADD just go spend some time outside

I'm also a SADD sufferer, and I've read up a lot on the problem. It may seem like a simple answer, but being outside on a gloomy/rainy day actually nets you more lumens than being indoors by a lamp. An overcast day is about 1,000 lumens; the average lamp is about 100. Even 10 minutes of outdoor light can improve your mood. This does seem to be a particularly bad year, tho, because it's been so cold!

I personally use a Verilux light, especially on overcast days. I found a 10,000 lumen light on Amazon for only $130 (with a sale); they also have 5,000 lumen lights for less than $100. The difference is the amount of time it takes to get the benefit. With a 5,000 lumen light you might need to spend several hours using it; with a 10,000 lumen light 30 to 90 minutes will do the trick. Contrary to what you see on tv, you don't sit staring into it or (worse still) sit in front of it with your eyes closed. You can read, do your makeup, eat breakfast, etc. The only limit is that you don't want to use it too late at night because it will throw off your circadian rhythms and you'll wind up with insomnia. I like to use it in my bathroom while I get ready for work in the morning, because the light bouncing off the mirrors amplifies the effect.

I've found a combination of vitamins and calcium helps a lot, too, especially D3, B-50 and folic acid. (All of which you'll find in a good multivitamin.) Hope this helps.

[sundial]

sundial,

I have no desire to go outside when it is dark and rainy!

I assumed you lived in an area that didn't get much rain.

[michelem]

I assumed you lived in an area that didn't get much rain.

I'm learning that this is a common misperception of people who aren't familiar with Northern California. They think it is all sunshine and beaches out here -- HAH!!!