SAD

I'm SAD. I'm affected by Seasonal Affected Disorder. The Winter Blues. I've usually not been affected this much until December. Usually the symptoms start in October and then increase until peak at end of the year. If I manage to live long enough to see February out then in March I start to think "I'll live another year". But this year I just didn't feel the lift that sunnier summer weather usually brings along.

I ordered a small compact lightbox on Monday. It arrived yesterday and as I write it is sitting in front of me. I'm aiming for an hour a day and will see if there is any improvement over the next couple of weeks. The company that sent the light box also enclosed a leaflet on SAD - along with their other light products! I was interested to see that along with the usual depression, over sleeping, feeling tired, craving sugar, sweet things and carbohydrates that some of the other symptoms could be 'flu like symptoms' and 'pains in muscles'. YES - I have both of these too. In fact have had these problems for most of this year. It may be that if light therapy does work then I could end up feeling better than I have for many a year. I'm pleased to have it this morning as it is still very dark and grey even though it is now 8.40 am.

There is another health reason that affects me which may have some bearing on my need for light therapy. But that I will share with you all on another day towards the end of the month.