How do you cope with the winter blues?!
Question: Either it's cold and sunny (love the sunshine but not the cold), or a bit warmer and gray, gray, gray, and I'm getting really depressed. I don't want to do anything and even though I know it would be good for me, I can't even make myself go for a walk on the warmer days. I'm also on an anti-depressant, and wondering if it's time to talk to my psychiatrist about upping the dose (I'm already on 50 mg of Celexa.)
Answers: Either it's cold and sunny (love the sunshine but not the cold), or a bit warmer and gray, gray, gray, and I'm getting really depressed. I don't want to do anything and even though I know it would be good for me, I can't even make myself go for a walk on the warmer days. I'm also on an anti-depressant, and wondering if it's time to talk to my psychiatrist about upping the dose (I'm already on 50 mg of Celexa.)
I get the same way and I'm manic-depressive so aside from the normal depression you also get sacked with what some will call seasonal depression. Especially in the winter when it's so cold and hard to go outside.
I was advised to get some of those lightbulbs that are kind of like the rays of the sun. I forget what they're called but they're brighter than normal bulbs.
It is hard to throw these feelings. Your best bet would just be to find some hobby to concentrate on, get out when you can and of course... talk to your doctor about the meds if you feel they aren't working like they should.
im sorry, i dont know how to help you. i love the winter!!
dont think so negative live life & dress warm!!
go see a movie or art gallery exhibit.
get wrapped up into planning what you will do in the summer or spring break. Use the internet and plan a vacation. Even if you can't afford it...go to places on the internet. Choose a place, room, hotel, beach, restaurant and everything. Great therapy. Look at the satilite pictures on Google Maps and plan it to the last detail.
Hello,
Seems your fairly doing what you can at the moment. I would recommend talking with your prescriber though, often times changing the medication or taking it in combination with other drugs might help.
Generally speaking they will put you on a dosage and keep UPPING it until you start to see side-effects... its basically a risk-vs-benefit game.
Other none-pharmalogical things you can do is: going to a Tanning salon, using pure-white bulbs and staring into a bright light for 20 minutes each morning. This decreases seratonin levels.
I knew of an article from Alaska in which its residents all went to the football statement for the morning because they would all stare at the lights for 30 minutes before they started their day.
All in all, the best result would likely be from a consulation from your DR.
sincerely,
texas nurse
fixitmans answer
ditch the pills ( of course with permission from your doctor) and get going on a vigorous exercise program. Lots of exercise- walking, biking, swimming indoors if you can.
When inside try to sit by a window during daylight hours. Use proper lighting when reading and watching TV. Dull lighting may increase depression. But a candle light dinner can be invigorating if with friends and family! Good luck.
Go to the tanning bed.....seriously. Bundle up really good, get your ipod and just MAKE yourself go outside and walk briskly. Once you do you will be so glad you did. JUST DO IT. I don't think you should up your dose. I've been on antidepressents before and I personally believe that sometimes they can actually make you feel worse so don't up your dose. If anything you need to work on your life and do what makes you happy so that you can eventually lower your dose very slowly. After you go on your walk, reward yourself with something new like nail polish or a really good shampoo and conditioner, or some perfumed body lotion that just makes you feel so good. Go get a pedicure, or your hair trimmed or highlighted. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat lots of veggies, and blueberries. Try something new like Yoga is amazing. Try Element Yoga For Beginners.
Despite their names, take karmalion and lemondrop above seriously. I have the same problem. Setting aside a room where I could spend most of my time, I filled the ceiling with fluorescent light bulbs.
If all your psychiatrist is likely to do is up the dose, consider a new psychiatrist, one who can refer you to a social worker or psychologist who has experience in winter depression.
There is no reason for you to spend so many months of your life in a state that you must consider not well utilized.
Seriously try light therapy, it will help. Also talk to your doc about the meds. Everyone is different but celexa didn't do a daggum thing for me. Neither did paxil, effexor, lexapro, you name it. Wellbutrin XL does help me so ask your doc about it if celexa isn't working. I just moved to Alaska so I know where you are coming from!
Sorry if this sounds nonchalant, but if the weather was always sunny, it wouldnt be enjoyable! Sometimes I get down when its grey and dreary outside, but then feel humbled in a funny sort of way that the weather is matching my mood! You should definately get one of those warm lights if you like things being warm and sunnny, but its all a matter of preference I guess! Personally I think the best weather is when its warm and windy. Hope this helps a bit.
it's cold , but if it's sunny , there are little diamonds everywhere and if you look long enough you can see the blues and reds and greens that are better known as energy , so breath it in and feel the power , enjoy the fullness that the snow has to offer ,, don't get me wrong ,, I like summer ,, but it has to be cold at least there is snow and Ice the holders of the diamonds of energy ....