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Seasonal Depression- What to do in the winter?


Ethreadzny2

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Oh, i forgot to mention another sure fire way to get over the winter blues....

 

Light up a joint and put on hustler's Asian fever #1 and delight to a hot Thai chick getting humpoed by two dudes on a beach and then thrill to two hot asian chicksa getting down on a bed with silk sheets.

 

bottom line....whether you're by yourself or humping your gf, porn is a great way to brighten your day. Except watching it with your buddies...that's just gay.

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Originally posted by swiss cheese

yo. Without winter, how you gonna truly appreciate summer?!

Ever do winter camping? That's the shit. It's all about survival.

Besides, snow is awesome. I love when it snows. And when it really snows it shuts down the city. I love that.

 

yes! winter camping is the stuff. I love building a huge fire and cooking warm food. pitching a tent in the snow and drinking whiskey... etc etc etc.

 

the thought of this is making me happy :)

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It's common knowledge that plants flourish when it's bright and sunny, and wilt when it's cold and dark. Humans can be affected in the same manner as plants, come the change in seasons.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects approximately six hundred thousand people in Canada, with around three per cent of the population suffering from seasonal depression. A staggering 75 per cent of those diagnosed with SAD are women. Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by Fiona Marshall and Peter Cheevers (Hunter House, 2003) offers several natural and medical solutions to help ease the symptoms for those suffering from SAD.

 

How do you know whether you're just having a bad week, or if it's SAD? At some point, many people experience some of the feelings and behaviors listed below. Many of these symptoms can indicate other forms of depression. Bear in mind that the first six in particular distinguish SAD from other conditions. Some research suggests that SAD symptoms may become worse in the late afternoon, as dusk falls. This is another factor to consider when monitoring your feelings.

1. Depression that starts and stops suddenly at regular times of the year

 

2. Eating more than usual

 

3. Craving carbohydrates and sweets

 

4. Weight gain as a result of satisfying these cravings

 

5. Extreme tiredness

 

6. Sleeping more than usual

 

7. Lack of energy and loss of interest in activities

 

8. Sleep disturbance

 

9. Feelings of sadness and hopelessness

 

10. Cognitive problems; difficulty concentrating and making decisions. Tasks you previously found simple now seem complicated

 

11. Drinking more alcohol than usual

 

12. Drinking more coffee and tea than usual

 

13. Anxiety, tension, and low tolerance of stress

 

14. Phobias

 

15. Irritability

 

16. Social withdrawal

 

17. Blaming others or circumstances

 

18. Wanting to stay at home rather than go out

 

19. Loss of libido

 

20. Menstrual problems. Premenstrual tension may be worse than usual, with attendant irritability, sleep problems, appetite changes, and low energy levels

 

21. Low body temperature

 

22. Minor physical ailments, such as increased sensitivity to pain, headaches, muscle and joint pain; digestive problems such as irritable bowel, constipation, diarrhea; palpitations and night sweats

 

23. More prone to infections such as colds and flu

 

24. Keener sense of smell, and changes in taste

 

If you think that you may suffer from SAD, there are things you can do to alleviate its effects.

Make the most of late summer

Instead of worrying about what you're going to do when summer comes to an end, try to enjoy the last few weeks. Spend time outside as much as possible. This would also be a good time to prepare for fall. If you anticipate fall as being a stressful time, try considering ways in which the stress can be minimized. This may also be a good time to consult your physician. Even if you're not prescribed anything, knowing that you've talked to your doctor about your anxieties may be comforting.

 

Plan autumn activities

Sometimes a regular activity can keep you busy enough that you'll be less likely to become depressed. Start looking for something in late summer, so that it carries over through the change in seasons. Planning this in advance will help you feel more in control.

 

Think ahead about your winter routine

In the winter, simple chores such as cooking and cleaning may seem to take more of an effort. Here are some ways to save your energy:

• Consider paying someone to help with time-consuming tasks. The Internet is a good resource for your major grocery shopping. The small delivery charges may be worth it, if it means that you don't have to deal with crowded stores and parking lots. Also, hiring a cleaning service may free up some of your time. Doing this twice a month or with a friend can also minimize the charges.

• Cook several meals ahead of time on the weekends or in early autumn, when you feel more energetic. For example, a pot of marinara sauce or soup can be frozen in portions, then thawed later when needed.

• Buy anything you may need for your winter wardrobe when they first appear in stores in early fall, before you get too lethargic to go shopping.

• Invest in extra help with child care.

 

Be prepared for the holidays

Christmas can be a stressful time for everyone, but for someone with SAD, it can be very overwhelming. Some people opt to not celebrate at all, but if that's not an option, consider scaling back a bit. Ask yourself what are realistic standards for your situation and work towards them. You can also prepare for the holidays when you still have energy - as early as late summer or early fall. Buy presents year round, so that you're not stressed out come December.

 

Monitor your moods

Be aware of your moods so that they don't come as a total shock. Keep a diary or log of your moods and things that may trigger them. Also, take the time to sort out your thoughts. Five minutes of meditation in the morning may ease your mind and prepare you for the tasks you have ahead of you.

 

Keep an eye out for symptoms of depression. Some signs that may indicate depression include:

• undue pessimism

• lack of motivation

• low self-esteem

• withdrawal from others and feeling isolated

• feeling guilty

• feeling irritable

• feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope.

 

Monitor your energy levelsKeep an eye on how energetic you feel. Some ways to raise energy levels are through diet, exercise, light therapy and increased exposure to daylight. Keeping a diary or day planner planning out the months to come may help you visualize the tasks you can manage and those you can't. Organize your memoryPeople with SAD often have a poor memory. Keeping organized with a calendar or day planner will help you keep your responsibilities in order. Get more natural lightEven on dark days, being out in the daylight can help raise your spirits. Here are some ideas to help you plan to do so:• Aim to spend at least an hour outside each day. A 20- to 30-minute walk can raise your serotonin (the energy-producing hormone) levels. At work, go for a walk at lunch or eat outside. Take a break from the office environment. • If you wear glasses, remove them for at least twenty minutes. Glasses can block the entry of sunlight into the eyes and slow its effects on the body. Lighten up your spaceDecorate your home to make use of light and colours that reflect light. Replace regular light bulbs with brighter, daylight bulbs. Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light. In the workplace, try to sit by a window, or at least maximize the amount of daylight allowed in. Keep warmMany people feel better when they are warm. Getting your home prepared for the cold, will help in keeping you nice and toasty.• Check the insulation in the house and make sure that no unnecessary air or moisture is allowed in.• Run the furnace to make sure it works. Proper maintenance of heating equipment will increase its efficiency. • Consider a space heater for rooms that aren't used regularly. • Don't skimp on heating. If you don't want to heat the whole house, invest in extra heating for the rooms you spend the most time in. Sleep well, but lessCraving sleep is a symptom of SAD, but you shouldn't give into the craving all the time. While a good night's sleep is essential in keeping a balanced mood, some research shows that restricting excessive sleep can help boost mood and energy levels. Going to bed at roughly the same time each night may help set your biological clock and lessen the possibility of disturbances to sleep. Avoid eating large meals, working out and drinking alcohol close to bed times. Reading and drinking a glass of warm milk may be soothing before sleep. Stay physically activeStaying physically active should be a year-round practice, but may prove to be beneficial when the days get darker. It can be something as simple as walking to the store or work, or parking your car a little bit further so that you'll have to walk.Take a vacationA holiday to a sunny location may be just what your body needs to lift your spirit. Consider relocatingIf you find that you're miserable for six months of the year, moving to a sunnier part of the country may be an option that should be considered. You'll need to weigh the benefits of moving carefully. If you do decide to move, visiting your destination a few times before you pack would be a good idea, to see if you'll really feel better there. Keep in mind that a move won't solve all your problems. Seek HelpIf, despite your best efforts, you find that you cannot manage, seek help from a physician or a therapist.

 

 

Excerpted from Positive Options for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) by Fiona Marshall and Peter Cheevers copyright 2003 by Hunter House Publishers. Excerpted, with permission by Hunter House Publishers. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher

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Originally posted by Weapon X

1.Depression that starts and stops suddenly at regular times of the year

3. Craving carbohydrates and sweets

5. Extreme tiredness

6. Sleeping more than usual

7. Lack of energy

9. Feelings of sadness and hopelessness

10. Cognitive problems; difficulty concentrating

12. Drinking more coffee and tea than usual

13. Anxiety, tension, and low tolerance of stress

15. Irritability

16. Social withdrawal

18. Wanting to stay at home rather than go out

B]

These hit me full force in the winter....thanks for the info.

EDIT: I always crave carbs and sweets tho...

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