Author Topic: surviving winter  (Read 3007 times)

zeemiller

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surviving winter
« on: August 30, 2012, 11:35:07 AM »
as summer slowly fades away and its now getting dark at 7.45 etc, the dread of the 6 months thru winter enter my mind as from october when clocks go back and it starts getting dark at 3.30pm etc its how long the cold, dark, wet, frosty, snow last for all way thru to april 2013!!!!
if u dont have, s.a.d does a light sun lamp still help depression????
how do others get thru the winter????
if money is tight and heating bills go up and up what is the options????
any info b grateful of thanks 8-)

Zaf

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Re: surviving winter
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2012, 11:50:51 AM »
I suffer from SAD, this is what works for me but do bear in mind they might not work for you

I use a light clock which wakes me up like normal sunrise, try to do things indoors till there is natural light outside and try to be outside as much as I can during daylight hours, this winter I plan to take vitimin D supplements as I read that they might help too.  I have tried a light box but dont have the patience to sit in front of it for long so it doesnt work for me in that way.

Keep background heat throughout your house and properly heat whatever room you are in at the time - what sort of heating do you have?

Z xxx
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zeemiller

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Re: surviving winter
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2012, 04:56:55 PM »
ive have gas central heating still even in the flat doesnt work out cheap to have it on all day etc

Ezel

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Re: surviving winter
« Reply #3 on: August 30, 2012, 05:29:17 PM »
I'm quite fortunate that our bungalow so we don't need to have the heating all day as the place maintains the heat in daytime.  I feel more down when it's raining in winter.

PaulaJo

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Re: surviving winter
« Reply #4 on: August 30, 2012, 06:55:17 PM »
Hi zeemiller, is there a possibility your flat could get insulated, making the heating bills lower?

Friends of mine moved into a property and their council was doing free cavity wall insulation for people in their borough.
This may have been due to the fact that their had underspent their council budget on insulation for council tenants, and so were offering it to more homes.

I don't know if this is something that is on offer in your area (or even if your flat can be insulated, I suppose it depends on its construction) but you could always ask...

I found these energy-saving tips online - some of them aren't helpful in terms of SAD (eg turning off the lights & turning down the thermostat) but maybe the others will help.
http://www.ourproperty.co.uk/guides/slash_your_bills__10_tips_to_save_energy_at_home_guide.html

zeemiller

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Re: surviving winter
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2012, 03:08:04 PM »
still not sure if light box would work or not as have depression all year but always its harder in winter n that time of year draggs on etc

Catbrian

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Re: surviving winter
« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2012, 11:26:33 PM »
Hi Zee...  yes, winter is a tough one.   Fortunately, compared to Scotland, London can still feel reasonably mild in October and sometimes November.  The autumn colours soften the start of what could easily become potential misery. 
Come December, decorating the flat with Christmas tree and lights with loadsa candles, maintains cosiness.  Without doubt, Jan and Feb are the worst months, but try to spoil myself with decent food and heat.  I also make sure there is warm clothing for outdoors.
Unlike Pip, I love a good downpour; it has pleasant memories of my hometown, Glasgow.  Now, there’s a place to make you depressed in winter!
Zaf's idea of a light clock sounds good.  Last winter, getting out of bed at first light, and taking in as much natural daylight as possible, did make a difference.  My flat is top floor and very bright.  Ridiculous gas prices make it expensive to heat.  But, I prefer to spend a little more and have everywhere comfortable and warm. 
I normally stay outdoors every day, at least 2-3 hrs with the dog.  Unless I'm particularly paranoid and agoraphobic.  That usually comes with depression, so my MH throughout winter, can easily spiral out of control. 
This year I might try Vit D supplements, as Zaf suggests.  I think the glare of a light box would irritate me…  Do you know anyone who might have one you can try? 
Let us know if you get one… Do you know the cost?

zeemiller

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Re: surviving winter
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2012, 10:48:00 AM »
at mo its just an idea but taking in everyones tips how to survive winter months 8-) just other night as light faded erlier i realised how fast dark nights have started creeping in. seem to drag from dec till april and thats when been at worse in past so all advice noted, will have a look on the mass web for light box info know have asked ppl i know bout them but no chance to borrow one.

Zaf

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Re: surviving winter
« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2012, 06:25:27 PM »
http://www.lumie.com/

Take a look at this site, its years since I bought anything from them but they were incredibly helpful, its possible they do light boxes sale or return or you might get a cheap secondhand one somewhere.  Personally the boxes didnt work for me but the daylight clock does, I guess like most things like SAD different things work best for each individual.

Z xx
Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart.