Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD (11)

The_Counsellor's profile

The_Counsellor
Posted by The_Counsellor on Thu 8 Nov 07, 11:58 AM

I have become aware over the last few weeks that some people are feeling a little SAD. SAD is a syndrome of feeling low or even severely depressed when the days are shorter and winter draws in. The clocks going back an hour often triggers a sharp increase in low mood since many people then don't see much daylight. Symptoms can include feeling low, lethargic depressed, eating "comfort food", having "under the duvet" days, sensitivity and irritability, and reduced resilience to adversity. Some people on the scene can be feeling an increase or decrease in their desire for certain kinds of kink or sexual behaviour.

I used to often have problems with SAD myself at this time of year. Now I can feel the tendency but I haven't been really bothered by it.

Some of the things that help are:

Get out into the daylight at midday and letting light get into your eyes

Put a light on a timer or get a gradual light to wake you up in the mornings.

Use a light box to give yourself a dose of artificial sunlight (during the middle of the day is best if you can)

Get some exercise regularly (a walk can give you light and exercise) even a little exercise can help - such as 20ins walk or swim

Make sure you are getting enough nourishment, vitamins and minerals. Get enough fibre to prevent your digestive system from becoming sluggish. Enjoy some comfort food but in moderation. Don't let cravings take over.

Be gentle with yourself, your body thinks its time to hibernate, and has a natural slowing down to conserve energy, give your body and mind a bit of a break.

If you are thinking slow low thoughts don't try to force yourself to be cheerful. Respect the mood and do a bit of reflection. Allow yourself a bit more time to be a bit slower. Enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Enjoy the autumn. The seasons are the heartbeat of the earth, spring is like the beat of the ventricles pushing life and nourishment out into the world and autumn is like the atria gathering the blood back in for the next spring push. Walk through crispy leaves making a lovely crunching sound. Enjoy the variety of colours. Enjoy misty mornings and mysterious nights. Admire the beauty of a skeletal tree harbouring its strength deep inside for the winter. Stand out in the wind and the rain, wrapped in a warm coat and hat, and enjoy the ferocity.

If your fantasies and desire for bdsm are different respect and accept that. If you desire something more extreme than usual, exercise caution in making a decision whether to follow your desires or not.

Don't worry or get anxious about it. Anxiety will only make the whole scenario worse. By new years day you will be feeling better if you allow yourself to embrace this mood gently instead of demanding no change.

Replies

8 Nov 07, 1:39 PM
SheffieldPair
UK, 2 yrs

excellant post
Please do not draw attention to the facial blackhead I have!

8 Nov 07, 1:43 PM
joanie
UK, 3 yrs

I've had it since I can remember, thanks for the insignt
Im Hers Myspace

8 Nov 07, 2:00 PM
RastaPasta
UK, 6 yrs
Fantastic Blog!
I do know a few people who have been diagnosed with SAD and know how frustrated/depressed they become at this time of year.
I have always wondered if like other depressions there are varying levels of SAD. I know that most folk feel a bit down when they are faced with a dark grey morning, which just seems to spill over into the rest of the day etc..
I'll direct a couple of people to this weblog.

I'm everyone, hang your label on me. I'm everyone, paint it black and white and easy.

8 Nov 07, 2:35 PM
C4G_and_dd
4 yrs My mate's mum has had SAD for years - they bought her one of the special "Daylight" lamps 4 years or so ago and she's been much better ever since.
J
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And you want to travel with her And you want to travel blind
And you know that she will trust you
For you've touched her perfect body with your mind.

8 Nov 07, 3:57 PM
forget_me_not_RR
23 mths
does anyone happen to know if there are any shops (ya know like the chain stores) as oppossed on 'on line' that sell the bulbs? we've been looking but so far have not found one.
x

8 Nov 07, 6:18 PM
subdorset
UK(DT), 5 yrs
Y!
I too am a SAD sufferer. I nearly lost 2 very good friends through it. Its usually around the time the clocks go back, I become a bit irrational and over emotional, and 2 friends luckily forgave my irrationality towards them. I have coped really well the last few weeks and have kept setting myself little targets to reach.
Once the new year starts I can focus on spring arriving and more sunlight. This time,to help me get to the new year, I booked 2 weeks in the caribean for the 30th december. So everytime I do feel a bit down, I look towards the positives.

8 Nov 07, 7:32 PM
QDs_dreamgirl
US, 19 mths

i know a lot of people who seem to suffer from this, too. there are some wonderful lamps available now that give off the kind of light that helps - i have two of them and can attest to the benefits! here they cost about $20, sometimes less on sale - it might pay to watch for them there. they're floor lamps - tall post - with a kind of 'goose-neck' at the top to help direct the light. these have lasted for close to 3 years now without needing new bulbs and even the cats love them!

8 Nov 07, 11:45 PM
DreamDragon
UK, 3 yrs

fire_fly wrote:
does anyone happen to know if there are any shops (ya know like the chain stores) as oppossed on 'on line' that sell the bulbs? we've been looking but so far have not found one.
x

B&Q
There are a couple of different types to look out for. "Full spectrum daylight" is most obvious, but there is a slightly less expensive option. Look for "Colour Temperature" information, to combat SAD you need to have at least 5000k in large part the colour is as important, if not more, than the "Wattage". The other important thing to look for is "Lux", a measure of the actual AMOUNT of light emitted, you should be looking for a total of at least 2500Lux.
I have suffered SAD for many years, and I know how it feels. Some years it's hardly any problem, other times it can be totally debilitating. This year I have been aware of the effects for several weeks already, but I can vouch for the fact that getting out and getting exercise can help. I have also found that eating green vegetables help me, it may not have the same results for everyone, but there is definitely a connection with diet, and giving some attention to that can also help.
Don't expect to do the kind of things you might manage with ease during brighter seasons. You don't have to "accept your limitations" but be aware that your perceptions of your limits may be skewed.
You may also find the Web Light Meter interesting.
(Edited to add link)
Edited 8 Nov 07, 11:51 PM by DreamDragon

9 Nov 07, 7:29 AM
forget_me_not_RR
23 mths
Thank you so much for that, there is a massive B and Q near the office so i can see a detour coming on.
fire xx

9 Nov 07, 10:02 AM
The_Counsellor
UK(WA), 21 mths

subdorset wrote:
I have coped really well the last few weeks and have kept setting myself little targets to reach.
Once the new year starts I can focus on spring arriving and more sunlight. So everytime I do feel a bit down, I look towards the positives.
That's the way to do it. Well done! Celebrate every step!
The Counsellor Kink Friendly Counselling and Therapy Let me help you to be the best you that you can be

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