Posted by:
exminion
(
)
Date: December 04, 2018 12:37PM
Yes, call the suicide hotline!
Make an appointment with your doctor.
Buy a light box!
A light box really works! Get a real one, specifically designed for SAD light therapy, and 10,000 lumens or more. Be sure to stay close enough to the box, and follow the directions. Use it as soon as possible, right after waking up. I depend on it, during winters in SLC.
My SAD was getting worse, because I tend to stay up too late at night, and sleep in, so I would miss too much of the natural morning light. The light box helped me reset my circadian rhythm, and wake up earlier. It was a win-win.
I actually look forward to spending 30 minutes with the light box, like, I crave that light! It's uplifting to open up my windows (briefly if it's too cold) and air out my room, turn on my light box, sip a cup of decaf coffee, and go online for the to check my e-mail, etc. I do this before breakfast. It's sort of my secret weapon, to start my day.
Do NOT turn on the news, or read the newspaper in the morning! I had the best business mentor, when I was starting out, and he advised us to avoid the news, first thing in the morning. He said it was also not helpful close to bedtime, either. I followed his advice, and no matter if I had a cold or other problems, my mornings were very productive and happy.
Baby yourself, and give yourself some "relief" from thinking all those sad, worrisome thoughts.
One of many reasons you should see a doctor, is that there might be some physical cause, such as a low-grade infection, or a vitamin deficiency. You have to ASK FOR a specific blood test for vitamin deficiencies. Most are covered by insurance. I was deficient in Vitamin D, and my doctor said that most Americans are.
A good reason to see a psychiatrist or psychologist, is that you might not have "depression" at all. I had diagnosed myself with depression, and with my general doctor's help, tried various antidepressants. Prosac gave me the jitters and insomnia--it was horrible. Caffeine sends me through the roof. Imapramine helped a little, for a short while. When I finally had enough money to see a good psychiatrist (MD), he diagnosed me with which is different from depression. My worst problem was anxiety, and instead of antidepressants, I used a tranquilizer, and only during acute episodes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and stopping the abuse in my life, has me 90% cured, except for occasional flashbacks.
You are an individual, and your cure will be individual. Advice is very helpful, but sometimes you need PROFESSIONAL help.
You WILL get over this! The sun is out today. I am outside more in the winter than in the summer--even when it's snowing. I can't tolerate below 28 degrees, though. Get a light box--today!