Winter Depression

[abejita]

Thanks for all the suggestions. This morning i switched my evening dog walk for a morning one. 45 min in the sunshine did wonders! I'll have to make that a permanent change. I will also look into upping my vit D during the winter.

[indysteel]

Thanks for all the suggestions. This morning i switched my evening dog walk for a morning one. 45 min in the sunshine did wonders! I'll have to make that a permanent change. I will also look into upping my vit D during the winter.

That's sounds like a positive change. I wish I didn't have to leave for work in the dark.

They just changed the recommendation for Vitamin D intake from 400 to 600 international units per day (more if you're older than 71).

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyl...ay/646670.html

That's not to suggest that you necessarily need a supplement by the way. It depends on your diet and exposure to sunlight.

[abejita]

My pcp actually checks my vitamin D levels when we do my yearly bloodwork. I did notice that my levels had dropped since this summer and they are a little lower than I would like them to be, so that could be a factor as well.

[PamNY]

I agree with the recommendation to experience as much natural light as you can. Even a little bit will help.

Maintaining my connection with the natural world also helps me cope with winter blues. It reminds me to see winter as part of a necessary and beautiful process, not a sinister plot to make me crazy.

[lo123]

I've used light therapy at the recommendation of my therapist.

I got this system at Costco for about $40 last year http://www.verilux.com/light-therapy...appylight-2500

You're supposed to use both at the same time, but it gives me headaches. I use just one at a time for a few hours every day at work. It does help. I actually ended up giving my second one to a friend who also loves it for seasonal depression.

If you can get one for an affordable price, I recommend giving it a try.

[channlluv]

I'm not sure if it's the 5,000 IU of Vitamin D I've been taking for the three or four few weeks is finally kicking in, or the 1,500MG of EmergenC I've been taking the last few days.

I mix and orange packet with a strawberry kids' packet and it tastes like a fruit fusion drink that would cost a lot more. The blend was an accident -- I thought I was opening a second orange packet to add to my water bottle, but it was one of my daughter's strawberry packets. It was delicious!

I've been mixing one every morning this week and I've noticed a definite energy boost and I've been a lot less stressed.

Roxy

[abejita]

thanks for the link...that is a great price!

[fallstoclimb]

I've been using a light box for a couple of years now, along with forcing myself to spend more time outside even when it's cold. It's definitely made a difference. My husband can always tell if I skip my light box for a couple of mornings in a row, because I get really lethargic and cranky.

I'm a big supporter of this company: http://www.sunbox.com/. It's a little more expensive, but I believe they have a lifetime warranty. If you do buy a light box, first do some research to be sure you're getting the right thing. Generally you would want a light that is 10,000 LUX. I use this one: http://www.sunbox.com/products/sunlightjr.html.

[blackhillsbiker]

Last year I forced myself to come out of hibernation mode and play outside. This forum was a big part of that decision (the fall/winter commuting challenge). I got snowshoes, too. At first I didn't want to go outside. Once I did, I was glad. I'm starting to see winter as a beautiful season to enjoy instead of endure. I don't miss the negative side effects of the anti-depressants I've taken every winter for years.

Hoping you find a combination of things that work for you,

Deb

[indysteel]

Maintaining my connection with the natural world also helps me cope with winter blues. It reminds me to see winter as part of a necessary and beautiful process, not a sinister plot to make me crazy.

That's a great point. We don't typically get enough snow here for winter sports, but DH and I do a lot of hiking in the winter when conditions allow. I actually look forward to it because we usually have the trails to ourselves.

[GLC1968]

I agree with the recommendation to experience as much natural light as you can. Even a little bit will help.

Maintaining my connection with the natural world also helps me cope with winter blues. It reminds me to see winter as part of a necessary and beautiful process, not a sinister plot to make me crazy.

Absolutely!

I was worried that moving the the PNW from the south was going to destroy my mental health in the winter. Not only does it rain a lot here, but it's grey and DARK for sooooo long up here. The first year, it was a big adjustement just dealing with darkness.

Luckily, I'm outside most of the day every weekend either on the farm or biking or doing other things. There is a distinct advantage to living in the country where I have season specific chores to attend to as I'm forced to stay in tune with even the most minute changes.

Plus, now that I've added a lunch time run to my work day a couple of times a week, I've absolutely noticed my mood improving as well.

[WindingRoad]

I agree with finding things you can do outside in the winter. Since I'm in snow country now, I am going to attempt to go ice skating this coming weekend. We will see how THAT goes,

[jessmarimba]

Blehh...I'm there. Not sure if it's the supercold weather, which makes my downstairs intolerably chilly, or if it's just winter in general. But bleh. I come home from work, hole up in my upstairs living room, watch tv & eat, and go to bed.

Though, I think I'd stop being so tired if I could stop flying all over the freaking country - staying in one time zone and not having to get up at 4 am to get home at 2 am might help. I need to make sure I get time outside this weekend.

[nscrbug]

Add me to the winter depression club, too. I just can't get "into" anything during the winter months. My energy level is SO low, my motivation to do anything but sleep is non-existant. I still manage to drag my carcass to the gym everyday, just to keep moving...but I can feel that I'm not putting forth the effort to get in "quality" workouts. I'm just sort of "there", if you know what I mean. I'm hoping that I can snap out of this funk before cycling season hits. Although with so much snow still on the ground, THAT will be a good while yet.

Linda