Winter blues/SAD
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As we approach the winter months and it gets more gloomy, dark and cold, i always see my mood and behaviour change dramatically.
And when that occasional sunny day pops up, im the complete opposite.
I have not medically been identified to having SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) probably because i haven’t gone to the doctors for this.
But any tips from anyone on how I can help myself throughout the winter months to not fall into a dark hole mentally and physically?
I've heard that there are special lights you can use to help boost your mood. They are specially designed for those with SAD. Can't remember what they are called though.
You could maybe talk to a pharmacist, they might be able to recommend something to help or maybe book an appointment with a Dr or nurse and ask for some advice.
MrsCraig thank you. yeah ive been reluctant to get an appointment just on the basis that im sure there are others who need that appointment more than me, i think if it keeps affecting me i might just have to get the appointment
MsLamboLova12 you could always do a virtual appointment. If it is something that is affecting your mental health then it is important to speak to the Dr about it
Look at Wim hof,breathing techniques&cold showers,you will feel mentally better,there is a lot of info on YouTube,Wimhof has his own podcast on prime/music too,all the best x
nina090976 ooo never heard of Wim hof, i will have a look. Ill try cold showers too, that could wake me up! Thank you
Definitely get outside, never be tempted to hibernate. The lights do help some people, I bought 5 on Amazon this summer for a fiver each going to sell on Facebook this winter, hopefully the profit will make me happy. I think the most important thing is to know it is temporary, once you get your head round that it makes it easier. I take some leave in January, not because to do anything, just to have something to look forward to. I go easy on myself from October to March, try and not take on diy projects. I am lucky to be manic in the summer months, like a squirrel. You are not alone, check out face book groups. Some people find vit d, 5 htp or antidepressants help.
Howmuch thank you!!! Ive actually stopped going for my daily walks just naturally became lazy so i think i need to restart that. What are those lights called? I think ill take a look in Amazon and try them out.
MsLamboLova12 The lights (unsurprisingly ) are called SAD lights ! "Seasonal Affective Disorder " I too am affected by SAD (though not too badly ) .
I haven't bought one yet as the reviews (on the cheap ones ) are terrible , more useless Chinese tat I'm afraid . Maybe I'll research these more , but at first sight it seems you have to pay £70 to £150 for an effective model. Possibly look at the brands that Boots and other trusted retailers sell .
I notice I am much more lethargic over the winter and have to give myself a hefty kick up the backside to get myself on the golf course . Once there I am so glad I have as I feel so much better .
My other (slightly wacky ? ) cure is to treat myself to warm clothing (particularly Down jackets and bobble hats ). Putting "toastie" clothing on makes going out for a walk (or round of golf ) less of a chore - it's the initial getting out of the house that is the hardest part !
MsLamboLova12 The ones I bought in summer are no longer available just on of those crazy bargains you you get from time to time, Beurer TL 30 Ultra Portable Daylight SAD Light. I would recommend Lumie Vitamin L Slim SAD Light, I have this one. Definitely check out lumie website. A few I have bought from places like Boots or Amazon have allowed me to claim VAT back from them as they counted as a medical device.
MsLamboLova12 Sparked by this discussion and advice from Howmuch bought myself a Beurer TL45 SAD lamp from Stressnomore , just ticked the boxes to get it VAT free . Used the FIRSTORDER code takes 20% off , added 3 bottles of disinfectant to make it up to the £55 free delivery (£55.70 total ) .
I so hate paying the full price for anything
Golfforall thank you. yeah my concern is if the lights work or not and I spend X amount and they dont. But to be honest Amazon does have 30 day returns. Agreed! Its the getting out of the house thats the issue, in going to go into office tomorrow no matter what happens, that should hopefully get me out. I might try Boots as they are a brand i trust
Golfforall That looks like a new one, my first one was the TL50. They help me but other in my house and when I go to the office hate it, especially on a dark winter day. It Its amazing how you can put it on in the summer and will not notice it, but in the winter it looks like you have a sun next to you. At least the modern ones are energy efficient, vanished off Amazon now but this was a great deal.https://www.latestdeals.co.uk/deals/beurer-tl-daylight-therapy-lamp-amazon
Howmuch Ahhh thank you! This is really helpful as i wasnt sure which lights to even start looking at! And thank you re the VAT point, i wasnt aware we could do that!
Golfforall Thank you soo much for sharing the link and the code, i also dont like paying full price ahaha! How is this light? Do you feel a difference?
Howmuch Yes its a new model and has 3 intensity/colour settings which I liked and it's the same size . Nearly went for the Lumie Vitamin L (which you can also get VAT free on the Lumie website (£74.99) but lumped for the Beurer when I saw I could get a 20% discount
MsLamboLova12 Only ordered today so coming in a couple of days , I'll let you know .
Golfforall Do not get me tempted my wife will kill me if I buy any more. I have a massive one on top of my wardrobe that I tend not to use as it has very high energy consumption, it is nice to know it is there, they retailed at about £350 back in the day.
MsLamboLova12 I would definitely say get outside and walking every day if you can. Don’t let the weather put you off.
Howmuch I too am sceptical . Also I know the Chinese tat ones are all over Amazon for £20 (with discounts , deal stacks etc 
) . We'll see ? The one thing I do know is that I would never trust an uncertified "Chinese tat" item even if available for £30 or £40 less - Could do your eyes in ? .
Golfforall I definitely think you have to be careful if you have macular degeneration. With any SAD lamp the 10000 rating is important, a lot of cheaper ones possibly do not provide this or not at a distance that makes them usable. It is good to be sceptical and cautious.
Howmuch Can't agree more , that's why I paid for a reputable brand with all the necessary approvals and certifications .
Buy a cheap Chinese shaver , it will just be useless as we all know . May look expensive but will just hurt , fail to shave and end up in the bin ! Get a "Chinese tat " SAD light and it could damage your sight for the rest of your life !
Whether it works for me or not I am comfortable having bought an approved lamp for perhaps £30 more - I think my eyesight is worth that ?
keep youself going out, keeping busy focus on things you like mybe set up a project to keep the mind busy, never be too proud to ask for help from anyone, hope you get through this winter well 
wonderingsoul thank you. I appreciate your comment, definitely will reach out to people if i need help and would advise others to do the same. I might start a mini project - open up a jigsaw puzzle!
Yes the walks are really necessary i feel to break the day up and to get fresh air and excercise in one.
I find for me steering away from general packaged/junk food helps in the long run to keep a well balanced stable state of mind.
MsLamboLova12 I know what you mean just today I almost put off going for a walk thinking I've got too much on today will do it later.
However I'm glad I changed my mind and seeing other people also out for a walk for some reason really lifted my spirits.
sam07 i actually went into the office today and i feel alot better! I think the walking bit will be crucial for me!
MsLamboLova12 good stuff keep it up and its so good to hear your feeling a lot better.
Sending you good wishes you sail through this winter and every winter happily.
You will probably find this NHS website useful in answering many of your questions https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/.
Out of interest: do more sun-worhippers suffer SAD than those who don't generally like too much sun? No evidence so far to support such a possibility - but I'm not sure if anyone has asked before
In my case not a sun-worshipper, when Light levels are good from May to August I feel great full of energy. In December and January when the days are short and dull, I have no energy. It could be described as major depression at this time even my digestion slow down. Some people that move from sunny places to less sunny places find they suddenly get depressed in winter months.
Howmuch To be fair I hate too much sun , and certainly too much heat . Probably I'm just too lazy when the weather gets colder at this time of year ? As previously stated , willing to give it a try (May not be SAD just idleness ?) .
One thing I would say to LD members is make sure the lamp is certified and approved ! (Most of the "Chinese Tat" ones are NOT !) .
Totally shocked to see an unapproved , uncertified "Chinese Tat" eye massager being well "liked" today .
I understand the "sheep effect " of many members on here - maybe try to find a modicum of common sense before thinking of purchasing something that could seriously damage your vision ?
Howmuch Thanks for reply - I think quite a large proportion of people are troubled by winter depression but to varying degrees of it. Like most complaints there isn't usually just one cause but a combination of them, including both psychological and physical.
Golfforall You are right many people get down in winter because they can not get out as much with the weather, fair weather golfers. The lamps are a poor substitute for the real thing, for me they keep me functioning at work.
davidstockport I'm sure that is true - only one way to find out ! I'll try it (as I said could be due to just feeling idle when it's cold and dark ?) -I'll report back .
The one thing I would never do is take the risk to my eyesight of buying a cheap Chinese uncertified , unapproved lamp .
Howmuch Its an experiment , as I said once I get out on the course I feel so much better . Hoping that a good dose of light after getting up , but we'll see?
Golfforall Golf helps a lot of people, my farther in law would crazy without it. To be honest he is fairly crazy with it lol. Unsure if it is the environment and exercise he like or the hitting things. Good look with your experiment.
davidstockport this is interesting, i think i love the sunny weather, not because of the heat but because how i feel. I notice the whole mood in my house changes when its sunny, we suddenly want to be productive and do cleaning and all sorts!
Golfforall thanks! I wasnt aware the lights can be certified as well, so will keep an eye out for that because i dont want to ruin my eyes over cheap fake products!
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