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Thread: Tips for tackling winter depression?

  1. #1
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Tips for tackling winter depression?

    That time of year. Blech!

    I'm guessing I'm not alone in suffering seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

    My question: What tips, short of medication, do people have for dealing with the winter blues?

    I'm especially interested in dietary or supplement advice I haven't tried. One thing that seems helpful in my case: quitting all booze consumption during the winter months.

    And, yeah, working out does help, too, provided you have the requisite energy to haul yourself to a gym, yoga studio or basement. (For instance, although I have exercise equipment in my basement, it seems inconvenient to go down there. Like I said: Depressed).

    Advice welcome.

  2. #2
    God/dess fancygirl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    go to a tanning salon. that helps a lot.

    Eating citrus or pineapple helps me. Focusing on not falling into eating the fats and the carbs, so in some cases, upping my proteins and buying tv dinners to reteach me correct portions.

    having something to look forward to-- like a vacation in January.

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    God/dess VenusGoddess's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    They have Sun Lamps that you don't use to tan in, but that you can use in your house for the "summer sun" effect. You only use it about 15 minutes at a time...

    We always take a vacation to a sunny place in the winter. We usually hit 2 places (Like CA) a winter. It also helps to have a little one who likes to make snow angels and snowmen.

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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    I was thinking the same thing CE. I hate winter (which is why I moved to SD knowing that its almost one season year round) the clouds, rain, cold, crazy drivers, stuck inside, no sunshine etc. I havent been on meds for SAD and dont want to start.

    I hear those lamps work really well. I 2nd the tanning bed idea - just use the best quality one. All you need is 10min of fake sunlight. I used to go 1-2 per week last winter. I also turn all the lights on in my house and crank up the heat so it feels hot like summer. I know kinda extreme but it helped. Try to get out on the sunny days of winter even if its cold. Thats all I have ...its suppose to rain alot this year too
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    Featured Member MadisonM's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    I also have SAD. I take antidepressants (it can take a couple tries on different ones to find one that works well for you) and also do light therapy. It really seems to help.
    Take the road less traveled- just make sure you have a map.

  6. #6
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by TigersMilk
    I 2nd the tanning bed idea - just use the best quality one. All you need is 10min of fake sunlight. I used to go 1-2 per week last winter.
    Ladies, this is extremely interesting, and I was thinking the same thing. About the only change in my routine has been this: no tanning. (I went in advance of my Fla. vaca but haven't been back in about a month.) In another thread I posted around that time, I asked if the beds increased libido, since I was noticing this in myself, a tanning newbie. Interestingly, a number of you wrote to say, yes, the beds made you feel randy/happy, too.

    So I'm going to try 10 min 2x a week and see if that helps. I want to stave off going on meds--again--as long as possible. I dislike the inevitable side effects and would like to give alternative approaches a whirl.

    Thanks again!

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    Senior Member Tabytha's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by TigersMilk
    I Try to get out on the sunny days of winter even if its cold.
    That's good advice. Bundle up and get out for a nice brisk walk or, if you have more time, go someplace scenic and go for a hike or something.

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    God/dess fancygirl's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    shoot, when I have a tanning membership, I try to go three or four times a week. If you're not worried about wrinkles (hello, lotion), nor have skin cancer in your history(there's some evidence supporting that sun staves off more cancers than it causes) then I would go more often than ten minutes twice a week. -shrug- but I like the beds. I find them soothing.

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    God/dess Jenny's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Natural spectrum lightbulbs. They are a beautiful thing. And a good shower head. Not in masturbation kind of way; http://www.waterpik.com/products/Spe...?prdNbr=100251
    http://www.waterpik.com/products/Spe...?prdNbr=100264
    I have taught that the sky in all its zones is mortal and its substance was formed by a process of birth

  10. #10
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Update: Got zapped last night. 11 minutes. I felt much more relaxed afterwards. This morning I feel 20% better.

    Plan to go back on Sat. after yoga (been a couple weeks since my last class).

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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    I have a mild case of it too. I don't get anything major-major, but I become sort-of anti-social, in the sense that I don't see out social contact and get depressed about it. I'm still reasonably social when other people approach me, but - for example - the thought of organising an outing just makes me think it's so difficult. I also don't have enough energy for cooking, cleaning, etc. Bad news.

    Incandescent as opposed to fluroescent lights do help a bit, as does sort-of staring at them, but not much.

    I'm going to try some of the other advice on here this coming winter. Thanks!

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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Hit the gym! It prevents the winter pounds from piling on and will boost you immune system. Plus, think of the happy endorphins you'll be releasing so you'll look AND feel good!

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    Featured Member Lyssa Lynn's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    I totally agree with the tanning and excercise (you can do it!!). Also, maybe try some aromatherapy. Get some yummy candles in whatever scents make you feel happy. I personally like to embrace fall, and get the cinnamon apple or pumpkin spice ones. But you could also do the more summery, citrusy route. Either way, I hope you stay happy!

  14. #14
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Update: Working out every day. Back to yoga twice a week. Hitting LA Tan tonight for my 3rd zap (I expect to go once, maybe twice, a week during the winter.) All the advice above was most welcome.

    I feel 150% better, and for now at least my winter blues have melted.

    I'll add that I think it's important to keep some kind of log of one's emotional health, particularly if you're subject to bouts of depression. One tends to forget in the good times the early warning signs of a depressive episode, and keeping a list of symptoms (recorded when you're in the midst of a bad period), can be useful for checking yourself. I re-read my own list last night and am happy to report that none of the dozen or so symptoms--these are a combination of physical, cognitive and emotional complaints--is troubling me now. Yippie!

  15. #15
    Reznor
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Go tanning and try 5-htp! You can get it at GNC.

  16. #16
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    What's 5-htp? I've been taking a B-vitamin complex for several months (thanks to a suggestion from a fellow SWer).

  17. #17
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by Chicagoeditor View Post
    Update: Working out every day. Back to yoga twice a week. Hitting LA Tan tonight for my 3rd zap (I expect to go once, maybe twice, a week during the winter.) All the advice above was most welcome.

    I feel 150% better, and for now at least my winter blues have melted.
    How soon we forget! I have been feeling dreadful for two weeks. Searching the board for remedies for Winter Blues, I stumbled on my own damn post from two months ago. Doh!

    Headed to a tanning salon right after work. Just need to hold on and get through the work day....

  18. #18
    Glamazon
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by Chicagoeditor View Post
    What's 5-htp? I've been taking a B-vitamin complex for several months (thanks to a suggestion from a fellow SWer).
    5-HTP is a supplement that promotes balanced serotonin levels. It is used by alot of people who use the drug ecstacy, since that drug depeltes serotonin. It's a mood enhancer and also helps to control appetite. I like to take 5-HTP daily, because I'm prone to depression. It really helps!

    And along with the others, I second (or third?) tanning, excersice, natural sunlight, if possible, even if it's cold. Fresh air!

    I feel so lucky to live in Arizona!! I don't get the winter blues anymore!!

    Time to go hiking!

  19. #19
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Quote Originally Posted by Glamazon View Post
    I like to take 5-HTP daily, because I'm prone to depression. It really helps!
    Yup, I've been taking it for awhile now, although I've been lapse in the past few weeks (maybe another reason why I'm feeling wretched?).

    Getting back on the tanning/5-HTP/daily exercise (already there) train.

  20. #20
    God/dess MrChristopher's Avatar
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    CE, my wife gets the SAD winter blahs every year and she is a pretty crunchy granola type. She asked around and has been taking this homeopathic supplement "Sepia" for about 5 days now and it honestly seems to be making a difference. She got it at Whole Foods, but I'm sure you can find it at any natural foods type place.
    waffles are just pancakes with little squares on them.

  21. #21
    Cally
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Meditation, citrus fruites, vitamin c and suntanning and cardio help me battle the winter blues

  22. #22
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Minor update: After tanning and a workout last night, I feel 80% better this morning. I'm headed into yoga tonight. I plan to get another 10 minute tan Friday.

  23. #23
    Crissychan
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    I am slipping into SAD since I am home recoverying from my BA, I havn't gotten clearnace to work-out and won't be able to tan for a few more weeks, maybe if I ask him if I cover my breast he might let me.

  24. #24
    Chicagoeditor
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    Wait. Don't you have access to all those lovely pain killers? SAD but stoned could be the way to go.

    Seriously, hope you feel better.

  25. #25
    Lola Rose
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    Default Re: Tips for tackling winter depression?

    I'm thinking about going tanning b/c of this. I get the winter blues too
    I'm scared to go, b/c I'm so fair....

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