or moreso, I have S.A.D. There, my name is Kelli, and I have Seasonal Affective Disorder. (S.A.D)
Everyone together…..” Hello Kelli ”
Ahhh I feel much better already. :)
I have been a little “out of sorts” and this is why. I was diagnosed about 4 years ago, with this disorder, and it is very VERY real. I am full blown in to the worst part of the year too. I take medication for it, but it only does so much. I need SPRING to arrive. I really kind of DO love winter and snow and fires in the fireplace….but this takes this time of year to a different level for me. I want to ignore that part, but I can not. It keeps raring its ugly head at me.
I know everyone does get “tired of winter”, but trust me, I really do. This goes far and above just “I am sick of winter” sort of thinking. Way beyond. It could incapacitate me if I let it.
I refuse, but it is harder some days than not.
I have reasons to feel it especially this year more than most, but I am not going to dwell on that. I am SIMPLY trying to get through it, with the help of my supportive family.
It is definitely the down-side to being “me”
{sigh}
So, back to the medication I have been taking . I would hate to live with (or be married to) me, if I was not on it.
But another form of therapy in worst cases is this. Light Therapy.
Sounds crazy but they say in the CORRECT form, it does work.
I think I just need a tropical vacation. Unfortunately that is not in my plans.
Instead I will stay here, try to get creative, try to “get happy” and count my blessings. I do have alot of them, and now more than ever I have to focus on the smallest of ones.
And with any luck….I will get out of my funk a little, and do some GOOD blogging.
What do you want to see?? I want and need feedback. Can’t guarantee I can fulfill everyones needs, but I can certainly try.
Ok, enough about me. :)
Thanks, as always, for listening.
January 31, 2010 at 9:09 am |
You really should try light therapy. I live in a really cloudy place and resisted light therapy for years, I figured the meds were enough but, finally decided to give it a try. I use a Feel Bright Light visor 30 minutes a day. I wanted something portable and can do other stuff around the house when wearing it. You will start to feel more energized in a few days. It really works.
February 1, 2010 at 12:59 am |
thank you for your input!! I am going to google these things tonight and see if I can locate one!!! maybe something I have resisted all along is exactly what I need to give into. Seems like a weird solution, but I am becoming more and more convinced. ANYthing at this point is an improvement!!!!
January 31, 2010 at 9:57 am |
Light therapy really works. As a sister sufferer off SAD 30 minutes a day and you will start to feel more energized in a few days. I use a Feel Bright Light visor.
January 31, 2010 at 1:06 pm |
i am S A D too
February 1, 2010 at 12:59 am |
definitely not in the same way as me though…..fortunately for you, trust me.
January 31, 2010 at 2:20 pm |
praying that God will shine His light upon you,which is always good!
February 1, 2010 at 1:00 am |
I began with my day in church, and I am sure that helped matters. I ask him daily to get me through til spring…..
January 31, 2010 at 2:30 pm |
Hey Kelli, I have SAD too. The lights do work. Honest.
February 1, 2010 at 1:01 am |
have you ever used the Light Bright thing the other were talking about? I am definitely going to look into one.
January 31, 2010 at 3:36 pm |
I totally feel your feel! I think we need to have the time change right after Xmas….even just two hours of daylight in the evening again…would do wonders for me!
February 1, 2010 at 1:01 am |
I agree. And then all the OTHER contributing factors to this time of year!!! economy, weather, off schedule for school…..ugh, it just all is beginning to mount in my little corner of the world.
January 31, 2010 at 3:37 pm |
Also there should be n edit button everywhere we go! I feel what you are feeling…haha.
February 1, 2010 at 1:02 am |
you kill me!!!! LOL I knew what you meant.
January 31, 2010 at 5:53 pm |
Kelli – Hoping today’s sunshine brightens your day!
February 1, 2010 at 1:03 am |
Thank you. It did. Started the day in church after recieving all kind of thoughtful emails and comments and I am determined this next week is gonna be better…..
February 1, 2010 at 2:22 pm |
How about blogging about some spring things? Gardening? I put a spring countdown calendar on my filing cabinet at work so I can cross off the days. I also use light therapy.
February 1, 2010 at 7:09 pm |
that might be a very good idea…and are you using the light bright therapy? and getting good results?
February 1, 2010 at 7:14 pm |
I am using the Verilux HappyLight. You can find it on Amazon.com. I try to remember to use it every night when I get home since I work on the basement floor at work but at best, it is hit and miss. I have felt better this past week but that could be because we haven’t had any sort of storm in the past several days or maybe because there is a little more sun – and the temperatures are a little warmer. It’s so hard to figure out what makes a difference.
February 2, 2010 at 2:57 am |
kelli: that just cant be fun. im wondering: can nonSAD people get any benefit from the lights? this winter has just been especially crappy..no sun, waaaay too much snow, too cold, etc. is there any vitamin d benefits from these lights? ive heard on saturday morning news shows that short trips to tanning beds help with SAD too but question it.
February 2, 2010 at 6:40 am |
ohhh, it is no fun….at ALL !!!!
I have heard both ways about tanning beds. Honestly, I think it could up your mood as a little “color” on your WHITE skin never hurts (or does it??) LOL. I always feel a little better with a slight tan, but then some say UVA rays do not give direct benefit. I need to look into this further, as I own a tanning bed, I may just need to get IN it.
February 17, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Have you started the “tanning bed experiment” yet?
February 18, 2010 at 4:07 am
darn it, I have not yet, simply because it is SO cold in our basement!!! burrrr….but I am intending to do it next week. Hopefully help this SAD as well as give my pastey white skin some COLOR!!!!
February 3, 2010 at 11:50 am |
A trip to the botanical center in DSM on a sunny day helps bring an early spring to your life. The smells of flowers and dirt and sights of tulips and daffodils is like a mini affordable vacation.
February 5, 2010 at 5:56 am |
that is a great idea, as I am in DM all the time….just not sure they could get me to LEAVE !!! LOL
March 6, 2010 at 12:40 pm |
Kelli, sorry I am just going through my emails while I have down time. I know a gentleman his name is Joe Johns and he and his wife own a place out in Johnston right passed Mere Hay mall and they have these dry heat sauna’s I wonder if you could stop by and try it I know if is a big drive however if you were in the city it would be worth it. I think you can even purchase these at the menards/home depot which they are not going to be the same as the spa’s but close and even if you spend 1500.00 to buy one the benefits are worth the money. The name of the spa is Trim Tone spa in Johnston iowa
March 7, 2010 at 6:05 am |
I have never heard of this, but may very well look into it!! I am actually in that area quite often. Thank goodness Spring is nearly here, but I do want to be better prepared for NEXT winter…it is inevitable.