Seasonal Depression Check up

[morepain]

I posted in October about my seasonal depression and i was just wondering how those who, like me, suffer with this are doing. Its bad weather here and i am really dragging, trying to stay active and i am getting my workouts in and stuff but damn its dark when i go to work, its dark when i get off work, its just too f'in dark. And on top of that as i talked about in my other post it is nearly impossible to hold a realtionship together when you are depressed unless that person truly understands you. My girlfriend and i (who met me in the summer) are struggling right now and i don't really think we will make it. She is ten years younger than i and i don't think she is mature enough to hang in there even though i have explained it to her...its ok though i want her to be happy, even if i am not the one. Some day maybe i will get a handle on this crap...i don't know anymore.

 

[Govan]

I also struggle with S.A.D. I suffer from slight depression, sleeping 10-12 hours per day, being completely unmotivated regarding working out and much anything else. I have put on about 20 pounds of fat since October. However, I have been dieting for about 2 weeks now and have increased my cardio via brazilian jj. That has helped out alot but I am still not the same as I am during the summer or with sunshine.

The only thing you can do is keep rollin and force yourself to be active. If your gf breaks things off then you really don't need her for the long haul anyways. We have about 2 months until Spring is here. In the mean time, set a goal and just become fixated on that. That fixation will keep you moving and motivated. My goal is to lose 20 pounds of fat by Spring. And right now I am eating as healthy as I ever have and hitting the weights and mma with a vengance. It's working for me. Eventhough, I have to force myself every step of the way.

 

[OuchThatHurts]

Almost nobody can get through the long winter months completely unaffected. There are things that you can do that are totally effective at alleviate some of the symptoms. Last time I said that though, everyone jumped in with year-round depression which is an entirely different thing.

Generally the SAD symptoms are not nearly as acute and can be treated with UV therapy and some vitamins.

If those don't help, or you have severe symptoms, it may be something beyond SAD which is worth taking a closer look. The question you might ask yourself in this case is first, whether or not you really have SAD, and if you have a year-round condition that just gets even worse during the shortened days of winter.

Best to everyone and just think... only 3 more months and then you'll be wondering why you didn't start getting your bod ready for summer sooner. I always find myself thinking that the first nice day in April, "Oh shit!"

 

[morepain]

Thanks for the replies, yes my depression is year round, i am treated for it and for the most part i do pretty good, but when winter hits it really takes its toll. I know exactly what you mean by having to force yourself to stay busy, its a bitch but it is necessary, the more you let yourself stay inactive the worse it gets. One interesting thing is physically i am in great condition, i tend to lose my appetite when depressed so i live on tuna packs and protein shakes for the most part. Pretty weird cuz i am sad but also typically look the best during this time, strange. I have heard the light boxes help alot of people and theyu have them now that work like an alarm clock, may try one out and see if it helps.

 

[BOOMSHAKER]

morepain, I have told you about my situation. I have to than God that this winter hasn't been to bad as far as darkness is conserned. I have been quite ok thus far. Must be the global climate and such. I know for me I picked up a sound machine. I really enjoy the beach. And in the evening before bed time I turn it on and even look through a few cruise magazines. (sounds gay but it helps LOL) I look at all the beaches in the magazine and imagine myself there. It helps to take my mind off of the darkness for a while.

And yes the light boxes do pretty well for people. Give it a shot and let us know how you did with it. Best of health to you my friend.

 

[morepain]

as far as i am concerned anyting that helps is worth doing regardless of how silly it may seem. Very cold here today and i don't know if the sun even came up yesterday...one of those dark grey winter days that barely qualifies as light. sux big time