SAD's -what i have

[vincent]

Now a more important area in my life rather than PC/Techie stuff...i just want to let this out....

Ever Since my teen years,my GP diagnosed me with something called "SAD" or Seasonal Affective Disorder.....

all it is basically is because it's getting closer to Xmas, i tend to get all depressed and upset spending Xmas with no partner whatso ever... and also massive stomach/cold type symptons....

i dont know how exactly this came along, but i find myself struggling,Anxious,Lubido depressed and sudden bursts of energy... i wish i could do something abotu it, but for the time being - i try my best.......im normally Independant on myself,to a certai nextent that the majority of the year i can continue with my life without worrying/Sympathising for a partner/someoen to cuddle me.....

The reason this happens is simple.....

At Xmas time-everyone's joyful,Families get together and have a big roast,friends/long distance family also visit you as well,but the main theme for Xmas is couples,love and Enjoyment, thats where SAD comes in.... because i havent got someone to love[as in a gf/close friend] with SAD- you tend to feel depressed/lonely.... i cant hel pthis status of mind but all i have to do really is just continue.....

does anyone else suffer from SAD?
or whats your opinion about it?

Vincent Out.....

[Swafe]

Everyone gets colds over christmas, but I also think its crap.

Does that make me sad too ?

[mr_anderson187]

,but the main theme for Xmas is couples,love and Enjoyment,

Latest polls shows jesus is obselete at xmas

[Taz]

Hi Vincent. There's a lot of people who don't look forward to Xmas. Here are a few suggestions (usual disclaimer: i'm not medically qualified but i'm just trying to help - if in doubt seek professional medical advice):

1. Join a gym. Not one of those 'pumping iron' gyms but a lifestyle gym like David Lloyd or Virgin Active. Take up the classes and in no time you'll be chatting away to loads of people. Lifestyle gyms organise loads of stuff around Xmas and New Year. They also have bars and restaurants. It will also take your mind off things.

2. Plan a holiday after the New Year. That will give you something to look forward to after the festive period. Again, it will take your mind off things.

3. Get some pen-pals. There are loads of sites in which you can chat online/write to pen-pals and you could strike up a friendship in no time at all.

4. Go to Sainsbury's/Tesco's and ask a random woman about which washing up liquid is best! You never know... Years ago I went out with a woman I met at Sainsburys after asking her about pasta!

5. Join a dating/singles club. It's not uncool to do that these days.

6. Go out with your mates to places where there will be men and women around (eg. bowling). Again, you never know...

7. If things get really bad you must see your doctor for advice! Take things a step at a time to build your confidence.

[autopilot]

does anyone else suffer from SAD?
or what's your opinion about it?

What a load of rubbish. Sack your doctor because he has misinformed you

SAD is nothing to do with Christmas, it's about long nights and lack of light, effecting mood and energy levels.

Personally i think it's over used nonsense anyway. It like colic but for adults. Basically it what some doctors say when the can't be bothered to go any deeper or don't know. It's also just an excuse for many people who can't face the real issues or bother doing anything about.

I used to think i had SAD for years. But then i realised it was more a state of mind that could be changed. After my lifestyle changed, got a good job, got a good circle of friends and i met the girl I'm with now, i realised it was all bollox. I was just down and used SAD as an excuse to not do anything about it. I'm still VERY bad at mornings mind you.

Sure, the long nights effect us all. We don't get enough sleep because in 'ye olde times we would sleep as soon as it got dark and get up when it was light. We would sleep lots more in the winter and much less in the summer. None of this 8 hours a night all year round crap. It still has a legacy and most of us struggle to get up in the morning and feel more tired in the day. Some more than others, but its normal.

But get over the SAD thing. Depression is VERY real. Don't just go, oh i get SAD it will all be alright. No, you could have the start of depression which is always going to get worse around this time of year.

MY disclaimer too - This is my opinion. You would be better of seeking professional help and changing doctor. Or maybe you just need to stop using your computer so much and get out more and take that good advice from Taz.

[herulach]

Get a light box, if its actually SAD its due to the way you process vitamin D (IIRC) the GFs mother has it, so basically you have to sit in front of this box of flourescent bulbs for like an hour a day and youre golden.

[Taz]

Get a light box, if its actually SAD its due to the way you process vitamin D (IIRC) the GFs mother has it, so basically you have to sit in front of this box of flourescent bulbs for like an hour a day and youre golden.

Excellent suggestion. I was going to get a lightbox for my study just brighten it up a bit!

Anyway, I found this Web site:

http://www.androv-medical.com/

It's got a SAD Lightbox - a bit pricey at £99 but interesting nevertheless.

[autopilot]

Yeah, i am also looking for one to help me in the mornings. Whats the cheapest anyone has seen?

I think you can get special bulbs for normal lights. I'm guessing that would be the cheapest option.

[Rave]

I agree with all previous posters that SAD is nothing to do with Christmas and everything to do with dark days and long nights. I also disagree with Dom's assertion that it's like colic for adults. Having observed my wife's moods for the 2+ years we've lived together it's very obvious that she's much more prone to feeling down around this time of year until maybe March when the days start to get lighter.

So- if your problem really is SAD, get yourself a sun lamp and cheer yourself up. If you have more classical depression- E.G. due to the fact that you're lonely (or whatever) then do something to confront that problem- as Taz suggests, maybe doing something to get yourself out there enjoying other people's company; or if that doesn't work, going to the doctor for anti-depressants.

[Funkstar]

Personally i think medication should be the very *very* last resort, it can cause a whole raft of other problems as well. Best to exhaust other possabilities first.

[Oakleyb]

Ah, my speciality, eyes...

By the way, SAD stands for seasonal affective disorder

try this for the Elton John look, mind you I don't think they'll still be in business

http://www.opticianonline.net/Articl...n+in+York.html

I think the juries still out on whether SAD is a real condition or whether it's just another form of depression. I wonder, though how staring a bunch of bulbs is going to help. Why not just go to a tanning booth, at least you'll get a healthy glow as well as plenty of vitamin D. Anyway, you won't get any vitamin D from just staring at it, cos the eyes don't make it, it's the skin.

Failing that, go on holiday. Maybe your GP will give you a prescription to go to Spain

EDIT - bad spelling

[5cupa]

Does that make me sad too ?

dont feel alone m8ty i've always thought you were a little sad

[BrandX]

If you have SAD get yourself a one of those lamps that are high in UV and sit near it for a hour or so, I saw that bloke off cornation street try it. I don't know his actors name but his real name is Johnny Briggs. He was on telly talking about him having it. One of the reasons he left the UK and acting here is down to it. he moved somewhere abroad where it's more pleasant all year round and it doesn't tend to affect him as severely.

[TheAnimus]

If its just relationship stress, start wasting some money! Go out more, try new things, just because u've never done em before! If u can't find anyone to try them, ask everyone ur aquanted with, rather than just those u know.

[smtkr]

Man up! What is the deal with this generation of guys who want to talk about their feelings? You should be celebrating your independence. People with "partners" feel certain obligations that you don't.

[vincent]

thnx for the support...All i wanted really was to get it off me chest before [if] it happens....

i currently live a good lifestyle i get me exercise daily,got a good job i enjoy,so this year might be different i see the poitn that SAD is crap and also see the point that it's another form of depression....

But mind you-since i've had sleeping problems since a kid doesnt help-lol

for the time being anyways i'll take the advice in hand and i'l lsee what i can do i'll amke sure i dont fall into the trap [Yes i have been depressed before in my life-over a gurl-she wasnt interest but i got over it ]

Thanks again for the support peeps

P.S.- oh btw Smtkr-Some of us only grow up with our mothers-which makes you more sensitive to life[ Dont ask me why some Nerds came up with the Research-LOL]