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Posted By
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July 31, 2008, 11:58 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Patty
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Subject
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SAD - seasonal affective disorder
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I live in Texas, have all my life. Last year a very good friend moved to the northwest because her husband took a job at Microsoft. She has had a terrible year with depression and lack of energy. Before seeing the vibrant, fun woman I know change to a depressed sloth, I always thought SAD was one of those "pop diagnoses". Now I believe it is a real thing... mostly. What causes it?
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Comments
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August 1, 2008, 6:27 am
Flag as Inappropriate Sean35 says...
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This may not be just a seasonal thing. Has her mood improved with the coming of the warmer weather? A lot of it has to do with not being about to get outside and being cooped up for months at a time. I'm not sure it is seasonal and she should probably go to a Dr if this is still continuing.
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August 1, 2008, 3:22 pm
Flag as Inappropriate bubble says...
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They say SAD is caused by not getting enough sun light. They say you can become depressed in the winter, and I know in theUK thaty have done trials with special lights that mimick sunlight in the home to improve the condition.
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August 1, 2008, 8:52 pm
Flag as Inappropriate skatss says...
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I'm just the opposite. The summer and all the sunlight makes me very unhappy, moody, and just want to stay in the house. But on cloudy, rainy days I'm a totally different person. I much prefer the shorter, winter days to the long sunny ones.
In my case my doctor said that I was like this because my eyes are very sensitive to the sun. The sun bothers them so much that I;m put in a bad mood.
Interesting how different things effect us.
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August 2, 2008, 12:50 am
Flag as Inappropriate JennieA says...
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It is indeed caused by lack of sunlight and the sunlight mimicking bulbs have been shown to help. They are used in many places, including Iceland and Alaska where they often do without sun for days.
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August 3, 2008, 5:42 am
Flag as Inappropriate Louise31 says...
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I do believe there is some truth in this as when I lived in a cold, wet dark place i was so miserable but I changed when i lived in the sun.
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August 18, 2008, 11:15 am
Flag as Inappropriate mandiees says...
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I believe SAD is closely related to the way our bodies regulate melatonin. When its sunny and 'nice' outside we have lots of melatonin in our bodies which causes us to be happier in general. During winters the days are shorter and less bright (certainly in the NE) and we have a harder time releasing melatonin into our bloodstream.
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