Seasonal Depression - are you experiencing depression? (anonymous poll)

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Are you currently experiencing depression? (anonymous poll)

  • Yes

    Votes: 15 41.7%
  • No

    Votes: 15 41.7%
  • Maybe

    Votes: 5 13.9%
  • Other (explain)

    Votes: 3 8.3%

  • Total voters
    36

zeroturbulence

Senior Member
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#1
Seasonal Depression - are you experiencing depression? (anonymous poll)

A lot of people get depressed during the holiday season. For some it is due a feeling of loneliness when everyone else seems to be enjoying family and friends; for others it might be from a loss that they suffered associated with the holidays, for even others it might be the absence of sunlight which occurs this time of year. Thre are also other reasons (feelings suicidal, chemical imbalance, etc..).

Whatever the reason, please share with us if you would like to and the rest of us can say a small prayer for those around us who are feeling down.

__________________________

Below is some information about a certain type of depression which occurs around this time of year called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). It difffers from clinical depression since it only occurs when seasons change for some people. Hopefully this info might shed some light for some who are suffering...

Link (reference): Seasonal Depression (SAD) Symptoms, Treatments, Medications - eMedicineHealth

Seasonal Depression Overview
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is tied to seasons of the year. Historical facts about SAD include that as early as 400 BC, Hippocrates described changes in seasons as causing illness. By 200 years later, light therapy was being recommended as treatment for people described as "lethargics" or suffering from "gloom." Most people with SAD are depressed only during the late fall and winter (sometimes called the "winter blues") and not during the spring or summer. That many cultures celebrate a number of holidays during the winter can be an additional stress for people with SAD. A small number of SAD sufferers, however, are depressed only during the late spring and summer. In contrast to SAD, other forms of recurrent depression, like bipolar or unipolar depression, occur independently of the time of year.

SAD is most common in young adult women, although it can affect men or women of any age. Statistics about this disorder include that SAD may affect as many as six of every 100 people in North America, more in the northern portions of the country than in the South. Another 10%-20% of people may have a milder form of seasonal mood change.

Like all types of clinical depression, SAD can have a devastating effect on a person's life. Fortunately, almost all people with SAD can be helped with available therapies.


The exact causes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are unknown.

- Chemical changes in the brain caused by changes in the amount of sunlight are probably involved. Risk factors for SAD include living in geographical locations that are dark or cloudy during the winter.

- A tendency to have SAD may run in some families.

- Given how often alcohol abuse and dependence occur in individuals with SAD, there is thought to be a possible genetic link between having either illness.

- Low levels of vitamin D seem to be a risk factor for developing a number of mood disorders, including SAD.


Seasonal Depression Treatment - Self-Care at Home:

The following activities or lifestyle changes may help prevent seasonal affective disorder or improve the symptoms:

- Spend at least 30 minutes outside every day.
- Set a timer on a light to go on early in the morning in the bedroom.
- Use a dawn simulator for a more naturalistic artificial dawn.
- Take daily walks outside.
- Increase indoor lighting with regular lamps and fixtures.
 
Last edited:
Z

zaoman32

Guest
#2
I used to hit some pretty heavy depression, but not around the holdays, it was more around the beginning of summer. A lot of what helped me was recognizing my identity in Jesus, and recognizing that I was cherished, and I was loved. Despite all the negativity I surrounded myself with, and all the negative things I told myself, the bottom line was and is that I am loved and cherished and made beautiful in Gods sight, and that is the Truth I needed to recognize and accept.
 
Jul 25, 2012
1,904
24
0
#3
I wonder if my money could be spent on something useful instead of the useless trinkets some of us give each other this time of year. Sure it's nice and lovely to think about those you love, but I am often reminded of those I don't know who are actually less fortunate then I am. I may not make a lot of money, and struggle to pay certain bills at times, but when I'm handling my own money, I'm always reminded that I have more then someone else in the world. And it kinda bothers me that what I make could go far for someone else in a another country, then these crazy expenses I have pay here where I live.

So, yeah, it kinda does depress me knowing that what I make could feed and entire family in Bali, but struggle here among these thorns.
 
A

arwen83

Guest
#4
I can feel down a bit in the winter, but keeping busy with school usually helps. I just find that I feel heavy with the grey skies. I usually take vitamin D in the winter too.
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#5
The holidays can be a terribly depressing time. My ex-husband left right before the holidays and was very happy about ending our relationship because it meant he got to spend them with his new girlfriend... It stung A LOT and I felt stabbed through the heart every day for years. The holiday season has never been the same for me since. I usually have to spend it with family who are all with their own spouses.

I spent one Christmas Day at home alone eating cereal, just to get away from it all.

Someday, I hope to have a meaningful Christmas again.
 
J

Jullianna

Guest
#6
Seasonal depression? Nope.
Seasonal stress? yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
 
S

See_KING_Truth

Guest
#7
I find it ironic that the acronym for this disorder is SAD.
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#9
I don't need a special season to feel depressed =P
 
F

flight316

Guest
#10
I spent thanksgiving at work by choice. They fed us free holiday food, it was good. I was around a lot of people. When I got off work football was on. After football the day was over. That's my way of getting past the thanksgiving blues.
 
C

Chrissy77

Guest
#11
I spent thanksgiving at work by choice. They fed us free holiday food, it was good. I was around a lot of people. When I got off work football was on. After football the day was over. That's my way of getting past the thanksgiving blues.

This right here is why I would love to get a bunch of single people I know, who I am not necessarily close with,
and have a Christmas together. I have family here but I know many people who might be spending this season alone. Thank you for the reminder! I'm cooking and I am a great cook if I do say so myself. Everyone is invited!!!:D
 
M

Matreshka

Guest
#12
good post , Sir ! i am sure it will be helpful for people !
 

Stuey

Senior Member
Aug 17, 2009
892
4
18
#13
Sounds like a great idea Chrissy!

I love the Winter... :)
 

zeroturbulence

Senior Member
Aug 2, 2009
24,574
4,262
113
#14
The holidays can be a terribly depressing time. My ex-husband left right before the holidays and was very happy about ending our relationship because it meant he got to spend them with his new girlfriend... It stung A LOT and I felt stabbed through the heart every day for years. The holiday season has never been the same for me since. I usually have to spend it with family who are all with their own spouses.

I spent one Christmas Day at home alone eating cereal, just to get away from it all.

Someday, I hope to have a meaningful Christmas again.
I'm sorry to hear that Kim. :( <3
 
C

Catlynn

Guest
#16
I suppose I'm a little bit sad since we've lost Trey and my grandmother in the last few months but not depressed. Very happy for them to be with the Lord and looking forward to seeing them again. XD
 
N

NodMyHeadLikeYeah

Guest
#17
I never used to, but i found my brother laying dead in my bed one christmas morning. Sooooooo i'd say i have some seasonal depression.
 
C

Catlynn

Guest
#18
o_o

I'm so sorry to hear that, Holly. :( I can't even IMAGINE what that must have been like. *hugs*