Hi, I am Auto and I suffer from SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. It sucks. As soon as the days get shorter, I get the blues. SAD doesn't make me depressed really, it just makes me irritated and very lethargic. I yell at other drivers. Normally I just putz along and hope they don't run into me, but now I point, yell and even honk. This is just one small example of my overreaction, you should see me yell at CNN. Ugly.
As for lethargy, I can't even muster up the energy to exercise or do the small house projects that need to be done, like dishes or laundry. I feel anti-social and the only thing I want to do is get back into bed and read all day.
Treatments include drugs (no effing way) or spending more time in the natural sunlight. The only problem with spending more time in natural sunlight is the work issue. I get to work in the dark and I leave work in the dark, leaving my lunch hour to cram in some outside time. I do take walks at 10 and 3 and each time I get back I openly remark how amazing I feel. There is one more option, HAPPY LIGHT. I could get one of those giant fluorescent lights to shine at my brain hoping that it helps. . . They run around $100. Santa?
So if you run into me and I look surly, just let it go and understand that I am currently the winter me and will promise to be better in a couple of months. Plus there is the trip to some place tropical for the honeymoon. . . that should help.
9 comments:
wha????
Who the hell is willie? Is he trying to suggest some sort of therapy by going deeper into debt - pretty crappy suggestion there willie.
On another note - I, too, suffer from SAD. I had a great big dose of therapy this weekend at the forest service cabin where we cross-country skied for 42 hours per day. I highly recommend it. I also recommend being more social and getting out when you can - I swear it helps even though you'd rather be in bed. And working out too - that always helps me.
I'm sorry you're down, my dear. Maybe we should get together and commiserate. Misery loves company ...
I took off Willie's spam comment. I like to protect our readers from offers for payday loans. You are welcome.
Oh and bdoc, thank you for comiserating. One other common effect of SAD is a feeling of utter isolation and lonliness. I seriously need someone to call me every day and tell me to go outside and exercise - even if it is dark, and cold, and icy. Ahhhh, there I go again, making up excuses.
Auto,
I also feel your pain. With the workload, and my stressed-outedness, and my hatred of another dark, cold winter, I can't seem to get my ass to the gym. I haven't been for weeks. My poor gym buddy hates me I think. I think travel to exotic locales is in order. I need some sun!
You all can call me crazy but sometimes a trip to the tanning bed gives me a little of that vitamin D and I feel a ton better. Try that one too.
I like to know I'm not alone too. I'll call you tonight to tell you to go outside.
Ah, Auto, I feel your pain. I don't see the sun for 4 days straight every week. You are not alone. I hope you get a good dose of Vitamin D on your honeymoon!
Auto-
Move to Denver, also known as Serotoninville. While I miss Montana something fierce and dream of the day where I can leave this sprawling city behind me, the perpetual sunshine of the Mile High City is pretty sweet. Actually, I would never seriously recommend that anyone move here, but maybe I can bottle the rays to send your way. Might I recommend full spectrum lightbulbs for home and office? These little beauties are much cheaper than the hundred dollar full spectrum grow light, last longer than regular lightbulbs, and are available at many fine stores. I know you can get them at the Bozeman COOP but am sure some place in Helena must sell them. They rock. Feel better!
-The Jpod
You guys are awesome. Thank you for all of your support. Maybe I will leave work early and head to the tanning beds!
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