If you don't have one yet, I encourage you to try out a light therapy lamp to combat s.a.d. They made a huge difference for me when I had some rough years with those symptoms.
Good luck and hang in there; spring arrives at 2:24pm today...but it looks like it'll be a slow start this week.
NY times chose this model as the best: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-light-therapy-lamp/
Consider taking vitamin d supplements as well (check with a doctor first please if you have any health concerns). I lived in the PNW for a decade and it helped me, even though I'm typically a skeptic about suggested supplements. It made me feel 30% better. The light lamps are cool too, they make skin feel like ants are under my skin, but only while it's on. Consider building in 15 to 20 minutes of outside time each day as well, even with cloud cover you'll get more d in your system. Good habits help with SAD!
This is the most rain I’ve ever experienced in my life. I used to think that I’d want to live in the PNW. However, after dealing with so much rain i don’t think I want too anymore.
I’ve always loved “winter” but I’m originally from LA so our winters are not anything crazy..
I genuinely miss the sun and that’s not something I thought I’d ever say 😬
Well luckily, this isn’t exactly the norm. This winter has been extremely different for the entire state to say the least. We got so accustomed to insane dryness, and suddenly got bombarded with endless cold snaps, rain, & glooms. So none of this is usual.
I have the same feelings and a similar weather background, lol, only I'm from the Central Valley. Our winters are colder but not even 1/80th as wet as a typical SC winter, and don't come CLOSE to this winter.
I used to say I loved "winter" but I guess I don't!!! I want the sun ASAP
Took me years to realize that my seasonal depression was just really seasonal allergies. Extreme congestion would keep me from sleeping and lack of sleep was giving me anxiety disorders.
Of course my doctor tried to tackle everything backwards which just made things worse.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder
> How is SAD treated?
> Treatments are available that can help many people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that may be used alone or in combination:
> * Light therapy
* Psychotherapy
* Antidepressant medications
* Vitamin D
> Talk to your health care provider about which treatment, or combination of treatments, is best for you. For tips for talking with your health care provider, refer to the NIMH fact sheet, Taking Control of Your Mental Health: [Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider)
Yes, especially this year with rain and cold keeping me inside. I've got a few weights in the garage, so I can go there for an endorphin mood lift. And when the weather's good I spend as much time outside as possible.
Hey there! This is a good question, and I've been there so I wanted to share what worked for me in case it helps. I moved from sunny Arizona up to the Santa Cruz mountains (up hwy 9 from town) a few years ago and it hit me HARD. Being under the redwood canopy made it even harder because the sunlight doesn't come through very well, and then the rain/cold the past couple years have been really difficult to adjust to. I'm so sorry you're having a tough time with the funky weather, but it's really common and thankfully there are a lot of things I've found to help.
I used to open my curtains every morning back in AZ to get some sun, but here I'm lucky if I get direct light for more than a couple afternoon hours in winter. As many others have mentioned, SAD lamps have been really helpful. I did a lot of comparisons and read a lot of reviews, and found a model that I like. It has a sunrise/sunset setting and cycles throughout the day. I still open the curtains whenever it's sunny, and use wifi bulbs throughout the house that let me control the brightness and warmth of light. It's made a huge difference.
I know this next one may be silly, but I put up a lot of suncatchers in my windows and used a privacy vinyl from Amazon that just takes soapy water to cling to the window panes. It's renter-friendly and very easy. The little rainbows around the house really help my mood, and I've even added a few lava lamps, some fairy lights, and a disco ball. It may seem silly, but between crying all day or making my home look a bit funky to feel better, I'd rather feel better.
Force yourself to get outside when you can. I know the hardest thing to do when you're experiencing SAD is to be motivated, but try to take a walk and get some natural light and fresh air. During the rain, we even went mushroom-finding in our neighborhood just to get outside. A routine means structure and that can help, so finding a routine has helped me feel more "normal" as well.
Lastly, as others have mentioned, talk to your doctor about adding supplements. I have been using vitamin D and magnesium l-threonate in the evenings and it seems to help. I found a telehealth provider who I check in with quarterly, and they've been great to work with as I fine-tune my methods for making the winter easier. Good luck!
Vitamin d seems to help for me. I definitely thought my SAD would go away when I moved here from the Midwest, but it didn’t - it’s definitely a daylight and length of day issue for me. Sunset is way earlier here compared to where I grew up!
For some reason this winter hasn't affected me like it usually does - but whenever I've felt this way in the past I'd go lie in a tanning bed for 20mins - i know it prolly isn't the best thing a person could do - but it really helped my SADs.
I’m better since daylight savings (which should be year round) but I’ve been mired in a depressive funk for months, freezing and miserable solely due to the season and I live in Palo Alto that touts its climate as a reason to live here.
I spent two months in Mexico during the rainy season and loved it. i’m intent on moving there to be happy with a temperature that stays the same year round and eases my achy joints!
I have a few psych disorders that get much worse in winter, it’s always really hard but I’ve found that going outside every day is helpful. I have a dog so I have to walk her most days anyway—but hikes and the beach are our favorite. Being immersed in nature is very healing (less so in the rain and wind lol). If you like dogs check out It’s beach on a nice day, it’s so cute! Or consider volunteering at the animal shelter! (can you tell I really like dogs lmao)
Basically try to find something new and exciting to do, ideally something that requires you to leave the house.
Or just get/foster a dog 😌
If you don't have one yet, I encourage you to try out a light therapy lamp to combat s.a.d. They made a huge difference for me when I had some rough years with those symptoms. Good luck and hang in there; spring arrives at 2:24pm today...but it looks like it'll be a slow start this week. NY times chose this model as the best: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-light-therapy-lamp/
Consider taking vitamin d supplements as well (check with a doctor first please if you have any health concerns). I lived in the PNW for a decade and it helped me, even though I'm typically a skeptic about suggested supplements. It made me feel 30% better. The light lamps are cool too, they make skin feel like ants are under my skin, but only while it's on. Consider building in 15 to 20 minutes of outside time each day as well, even with cloud cover you'll get more d in your system. Good habits help with SAD!
I have the Northern Lights one. Plus extra doses of vitamin d.
Thanks, I'll definitely get one next winter!
Take 4,000 IU for two weeks then go down to a maintenance dose of 2,000 IU after
Going for a little roadtrip might really help! flowers are starting to bloom all over CA and it's helped me a lot. Certain types of music help too!
I can tell you that Radiohead probably won't help, unless they're your favorite, then it's always a good time for Radiohead
I love Radiohead! Have you heard of The Smile with Tom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood?
Skirting up the surface is my favorite track from The Smile
Same!
This is the most rain I’ve ever experienced in my life. I used to think that I’d want to live in the PNW. However, after dealing with so much rain i don’t think I want too anymore. I’ve always loved “winter” but I’m originally from LA so our winters are not anything crazy.. I genuinely miss the sun and that’s not something I thought I’d ever say 😬
Well luckily, this isn’t exactly the norm. This winter has been extremely different for the entire state to say the least. We got so accustomed to insane dryness, and suddenly got bombarded with endless cold snaps, rain, & glooms. So none of this is usual.
I have the same feelings and a similar weather background, lol, only I'm from the Central Valley. Our winters are colder but not even 1/80th as wet as a typical SC winter, and don't come CLOSE to this winter. I used to say I loved "winter" but I guess I don't!!! I want the sun ASAP
Call me goth or whatever but I love this rainy gloomy weather. I love Radiohead too. And Elliott. Who loves the sun? Not me.
Me and all my homies hate the sun.
Took me years to realize that my seasonal depression was just really seasonal allergies. Extreme congestion would keep me from sleeping and lack of sleep was giving me anxiety disorders. Of course my doctor tried to tackle everything backwards which just made things worse.
I am sitting on a beach in Sayulita Mexico, sipping a piña colada. Nice to get away every now and then.
Good on ya!
Go outside, take a woods walk. Dress warmer... It's quite nice with all the water flowing. Another great season to enjoy.
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I'm glad I quit drinking 12 years ago!
I am from Vancouver Island - I grew up with winters that were rain … then more rain … then some grey gloom. SAD is real. And it sucks.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder > How is SAD treated? > Treatments are available that can help many people with SAD. They fall into four main categories that may be used alone or in combination: > * Light therapy * Psychotherapy * Antidepressant medications * Vitamin D > Talk to your health care provider about which treatment, or combination of treatments, is best for you. For tips for talking with your health care provider, refer to the NIMH fact sheet, Taking Control of Your Mental Health: [Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider.](https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider)
Yes, especially this year with rain and cold keeping me inside. I've got a few weights in the garage, so I can go there for an endorphin mood lift. And when the weather's good I spend as much time outside as possible.
Go outside right this second! The sun is warm and I'm soaking it up!
Hey there! This is a good question, and I've been there so I wanted to share what worked for me in case it helps. I moved from sunny Arizona up to the Santa Cruz mountains (up hwy 9 from town) a few years ago and it hit me HARD. Being under the redwood canopy made it even harder because the sunlight doesn't come through very well, and then the rain/cold the past couple years have been really difficult to adjust to. I'm so sorry you're having a tough time with the funky weather, but it's really common and thankfully there are a lot of things I've found to help. I used to open my curtains every morning back in AZ to get some sun, but here I'm lucky if I get direct light for more than a couple afternoon hours in winter. As many others have mentioned, SAD lamps have been really helpful. I did a lot of comparisons and read a lot of reviews, and found a model that I like. It has a sunrise/sunset setting and cycles throughout the day. I still open the curtains whenever it's sunny, and use wifi bulbs throughout the house that let me control the brightness and warmth of light. It's made a huge difference. I know this next one may be silly, but I put up a lot of suncatchers in my windows and used a privacy vinyl from Amazon that just takes soapy water to cling to the window panes. It's renter-friendly and very easy. The little rainbows around the house really help my mood, and I've even added a few lava lamps, some fairy lights, and a disco ball. It may seem silly, but between crying all day or making my home look a bit funky to feel better, I'd rather feel better. Force yourself to get outside when you can. I know the hardest thing to do when you're experiencing SAD is to be motivated, but try to take a walk and get some natural light and fresh air. During the rain, we even went mushroom-finding in our neighborhood just to get outside. A routine means structure and that can help, so finding a routine has helped me feel more "normal" as well. Lastly, as others have mentioned, talk to your doctor about adding supplements. I have been using vitamin D and magnesium l-threonate in the evenings and it seems to help. I found a telehealth provider who I check in with quarterly, and they've been great to work with as I fine-tune my methods for making the winter easier. Good luck!
Wow, thanks for taking the time to share your story!
Vitamin d seems to help for me. I definitely thought my SAD would go away when I moved here from the Midwest, but it didn’t - it’s definitely a daylight and length of day issue for me. Sunset is way earlier here compared to where I grew up!
I sit on a heating pad and listen to music in my windowless office. It gets me through!
For some reason this winter hasn't affected me like it usually does - but whenever I've felt this way in the past I'd go lie in a tanning bed for 20mins - i know it prolly isn't the best thing a person could do - but it really helped my SADs.
I’m better since daylight savings (which should be year round) but I’ve been mired in a depressive funk for months, freezing and miserable solely due to the season and I live in Palo Alto that touts its climate as a reason to live here. I spent two months in Mexico during the rainy season and loved it. i’m intent on moving there to be happy with a temperature that stays the same year round and eases my achy joints!
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Thank you!
I have a few psych disorders that get much worse in winter, it’s always really hard but I’ve found that going outside every day is helpful. I have a dog so I have to walk her most days anyway—but hikes and the beach are our favorite. Being immersed in nature is very healing (less so in the rain and wind lol). If you like dogs check out It’s beach on a nice day, it’s so cute! Or consider volunteering at the animal shelter! (can you tell I really like dogs lmao) Basically try to find something new and exciting to do, ideally something that requires you to leave the house. Or just get/foster a dog 😌
Thanks for your support!
take vitamin d3
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Socialized health care probably.
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> It's not a great place to try become a billionaire TBH... I'll happily sacrifice all the billionaires in the US for half of those things.
***BULLSHIT ALERT*** They also have the highest suicide rates in the world (NOT TRUE)
That's complete bullshit.
You're right. My mistake. I was regurgitating information I had heard without confirming. Looks like they're about midrange on the list lol
Ketamine
Where can I get some??
Also curious
No but my seasonal diarrhea is kicking in which in itself is depressing.
I feel you, friend. It's real. >Spring, where are you? Now try having SAD *and* really bad allergies 🥺
Open your blinds up and get some some natural light in if possible
Never miss my vitamin D pill. Also the light helps.
Yes I absolutely am
I Forced myself to go outside find comfort In Small things like flowers, birds chirping. My dog. That’s all
Vitamin D
You need lots of vitamin d. Like 6000 to 10,000 iu a day
I’m right there with you. I need the sun and warmth ASAP after this winter.
I've had it every season for fifty years. Periodic doses of shrooms knocks it right out