S.A.D. mamas

Scooby2358

Here it is, the shortest day of the year. Any other mamas dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder? How are you holding up?

WearingRed

If S.A.D. is what I think it is. Yes I am. I am sitting in more than a funk for days now. My house looks like someone broke in to find something and eat all the food then left. [,aka I haven't done even the dishes in days.] I feel like crap and I am not smiling like I normally am. I am doing what has to be done and nothing more. I am hoping that soon I will snap out of it.

Auki13

I am not classified with SAD, but my depression does cycle with the seasons and starting soon is one of the most difficult times for me.  I am actually ok up to the holidays typically and then mid-Jan thru March is my hard time.  I am a bit nervous about this since I am also managing PP this time around, but I have a great dr. who is really good at helping me manage my medications.  

How are you doing?

Scooby2358

WearingRed:

If S.A.D. is what I think it is. Yes I am. I am sitting in more than a funk for days now. My house looks like someone broke in to find something and eat all the food then left. [,aka I haven't done even the dishes in days.] I feel like crap and I am not smiling like I normally am. I am doing what has to be done and nothing more. I am hoping that soon I will snap out of it.

Oh sweetie, I'm sorry. This really stinks. Do you have some support in place? You're not alone feeling this way. At least the days will only get longer from here.

ETA: And this sounds like a bunch of platitudes. Gah. The sympathy is there, except I'm expressing it remarkably poorly! 

WearingRed

Scooby2358:

WearingRed:

If S.A.D. is what I think it is. Yes I am. I am sitting in more than a funk for days now. My house looks like someone broke in to find something and eat all the food then left. [,aka I haven't done even the dishes in days.] I feel like crap and I am not smiling like I normally am. I am doing what has to be done and nothing more. I am hoping that soon I will snap out of it.

Oh sweetie, I'm sorry. This really stinks. Do you have some support in place? You're not alone feeling this way. At least the days will only get longer from here.

ETA: And this sounds like a bunch of platitudes. Gah. The sympathy is there, except I'm expressing it remarkably poorly! 

it's ok. I knew what you meant. And I am lucky my mom works for a school so she will be off for the next few weeks to help me get through the toughest part.

Scooby2358

Auki13:

I am not classified with SAD, but my depression does cycle with the seasons and starting soon is one of the most difficult times for me.  I am actually ok up to the holidays typically and then mid-Jan thru March is my hard time.  I am a bit nervous about this since I am also managing PP this time around, but I have a great dr. who is really good at helping me manage my medications.  

How are you doing?

This is good! I think active management is really needed for these cyclic episodes. It sounds like we have some similar struggles .

My depression does something very similar - a dip in October/November, a bit better through the holidays usually, then another dip in mid-Jan to March, like yours. I've been nervous about this too. I'm still on meds but the lowest dose that keeps me stable. I think I just let it get into my head this year - something about knowing that this time is coming. I finally dusted off my light box recently and hopefully that will push me back into being a productive member of society - or at least a slightly less gloomy one.

Scooby2358

theresat858:

The light box really helps me. I now use it every morning while I pump /feed the baby.  Between that and my meds (still able to be on the lowest dose since delivery when I started them again), I am doing okay. I would be doing better if I was more consistent about fitting in some cardio.

Ooh, good point! Good for you for fitting cardio in at all - I really need to figure out how to do this, if only for the endorphins. I was attributing my struggles this year to other factors, but I haven't been exercising at all - just living over here by this river in Egypt. La la la...

I'm glad the light box is helping you. We just need to get through a few more months.

[Deleted User]

Honestly I'm doing pretty horribly today. Today is my mom's birthday. Since she passed away almost a month ago I honestly don't know what to do with myself. I was diagnosed with PPA a few days ago and put on Zoloft, so hopefully that helps some.

If I didn't have my little angel I probably would have stayed in bed today. But alas, the LO won't have that!

WearingRed

MrsNorry:

Honestly I'm doing pretty horribly today. Today is my mom's birthday. Since she passed away almost a month ago I honestly don't know what to do with myself. I was diagnosed with PPA a few days ago and put on Zoloft, so hopefully that helps some.If I didn't have my little angel I probably would have stayed in bed today. But alas, the LO won't have that!

oh norry. I get it I do! The only reason I have been get out of bed is DS and DD. It's a good reason and one that will help get you to the healthy spot. And keep in mind your mom is looking out for you and your LO.

Scooby2358

WearingRed:

MrsNorry:

Honestly I'm doing pretty horribly today. Today is my mom's birthday. Since she passed away almost a month ago I honestly don't know what to do with myself. I was diagnosed with PPA a few days ago and put on Zoloft, so hopefully that helps some.If I didn't have my little angel I probably would have stayed in bed today. But alas, the LO won't have that!

oh norry. I get it I do! The only reason I have been get out of bed is DS and DD. It's a good reason and one that will help get you to the healthy spot. And keep in mind your mom is looking out for you and your LO.

All of this. Big ((hugs)). I hope the Zoloft kicks in quickly.

Auki13

This may be a silly question, but what is a light box?  I remember my dr. once mentioning something about a light therapy- is this what she was talking about?  I would love to try something more natural if that's what it is!  I also need to work in cardio (it always helps me out), but I don't know if I should be doing that before I go to my 6 week PP check-up.  Does anyone know if you can start earlier?  I am guessing walking is fine earlier, but this weather stinks and we don't even have a mall close enough for me to go to.
MrsMorry- I am so sorry for the loss of your mom and that today is such a hard day!  You are in my T&P's and I hope tomorrow is a better day for you. (((HUGS)))

[Deleted User]

Thank you everyone.

Scooby2358

theresat858:

A light box is just a bright light that has the wavelengths to mimic sunlight.   Mine is the BriteLite brand or something like that.  It turns off automatically after 15,30,45 or 60 min (you can select which).  

You are probably right to wait until 6w PP for the cardio..but walking is fine anytime, I think.  

 Mrs. Norry - {{{{hugs}}}}}

My psychiatrist recommends light therapy particularly during pregnancy/breastfeeding because it's super safe (like a walk outside) and can be very beneficial. It doesn't help my "regular" depresion, only the SAD part, but something is better than nothing! The hard part is getting a block of time to sit quietly in front of a light, which is why I just got mine out. IMO, totally worth the $90 or so I spent 6 years ago.

Auki13

Scooby2358:

theresat858:

A light box is just a bright light that has the wavelengths to mimic sunlight.   Mine is the BriteLite brand or something like that.  It turns off automatically after 15,30,45 or 60 min (you can select which).  

You are probably right to wait until 6w PP for the cardio..but walking is fine anytime, I think.  

 Mrs. Norry - {{{{hugs}}}}}

My psychiatrist recommends light therapy particularly during pregnancy/breastfeeding because it's super safe (like a walk outside) and can be very beneficial. It doesn't help my "regular" depresion, only the SAD part, but something is better than nothing! The hard part is getting a block of time to sit quietly in front of a light, which is why I just got mine out. IMO, totally worth the $90 or so I spent 6 years ago.

Thanks for the info!  I will have to ask my dr. about it.  Is it something you need a script for?  And is it covered by insurance?  Or is this something you just get on your own... 

Scooby2358

Auki13:

Thanks for the info!  I will have to ask my dr. about it.  Is it something you need a script for?  And is it covered by insurance?  Or is this something you just get on your own... 

No script needed if you want to get it on your own; I just got mine off the interwebs. If you have decent mental health coverage it might be worth trying to get your insurance to cover it. In that case you might need a script depending on their requirements. If your Dr likes the idea I'd definitely go for it! GL!