Any ideas for seasonal depression?

Question:

I always feel really low at this time of year. Anyone got any ideas on how i can make myself feel better during the cold dark days?

Answers:
Honey, I understand! Here is what I do, and I hate before I do it, but it works. When it is cold, dark, rainy, etc. I do not want to do a thing. I'd rather lay in bed or in the house watching TV and eating all day. But, we can lead a very productive life that way can we. So what I do is drag my lazy butt to the shower, get dressed, make-up and all, and go outside and just become part of what is going on. Really it helps. Something else that helps but I hate to recommend b/c it isn't good for your overall health, is artificial sunlight. However, if you put sunblock all over you and go lay in a tanning bed for 7-10 minutes, it'll perk you up a little, but not as much as learning to enjoy the day by doing something outdorsy no matter what the weather is like.

Exercise.

a weekend vacation

get as much sun as you can

light candles, stay busy online, play online live games so you can chat.

yeah call me ------------

Stop crying and get over it! there is nothing wrong with you! I think that you are talking yourself INTO being depressed! It's all in your mind. Take up skiing or something. Like they say. "If life hands you lemons, make lemonaide!" So when Mother Nature gives you snow, SKI!.. Or if you're really adventurous, dod what I do and go skydiving. That will fix you right up! What else can I say. Get off the pitty pot and SMILE!

Brighten up your house with more lights.
Smile
Call someone or write to someone you have been meaning to.
Invest in a thermostat that turns the heater on 20 minutes before you wake up so you can enjoy getting out of bed.
Take a vacation to down under, Australia; their summer is our winter
Ensure you have enough warm clothes to stay warm when you go outside
Been to North Dakota with 30 below so I know.
Don't get cabin fever by staying in.
Stay in touch with friends and family
Perhaps a pet?

There is in fact plenty of medical proof that backs up depression brought on by lack of sun. The only sure fired cure as of right now is a U.V. lamp one that actually gives a full spectrum of light. Vitamin D, the one that your body produces itself plays a vital role in protein production or Amino acids. A.A.'s are what the brain uses to send signals to the cells to let them know how were feeling & they respond accodingly. (U.V. full spectrum lamp.)

No matter how cold it is, I still go out and walk for exercise. I've read where exercise releases a dorfin that fights depression. Or maybe you could volunteer at your local hospital. Helping others often times can help you. Hang in there, girl. Sping will come around again.

Buy a "sunlight lamp". This is not the same as a tanning light. It is designed specifically for people with seasonal depression and shiftworkers. It mimics true sunlight and can be very helpful. You use it for a short time every day. You can find a number of sources online. Just do a word search for "sunlight lamp".

This can be a problem. What I do is turn on my overhead lights. It's the light deficiency that seems to cause it.

Any ideas for seasonal depression?

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