Major Depressive Disorder And Seasonal Affective Disorder

[Lionheart]

@Lionheart777 if you have a diagnosis of S.A.D and it's documented, your insurance may pay for it depending on your healthcare provider and if it's covered

I had not thought of that @She Cat , it is well documented and will def be worth a try. Thank you so much!!! :)

 

[Lola Nocheprieta]

@Lionheart777, I was perusing the forums (fora?) and guess what I came across? This lovely post from someone you know well, offering some gentle suggestions:

***
May I make a few suggestions for little escapes?

There are bubble baths, writing, drawing, coloring, painting, a nature walk, reading a good book, listening to some soothing music, watching a movie, and of course taking a nap. These are just a few of the things I use as positive escapes from the stresses that can sometimes build up. I just thought maybe this would come in handy for you.
***

Sounds like a wise and gentle soul offering some support to someone in need, right? Sound familiar? ;)

So what do you think? Can you try to take your own advice? Just try one little "escape?" I know how hard that can be when you're "deep in the valley of despair" and even one little thing feels like one little thing too much. I love to write and paint and play with art supplies, too. Maybe you can draw/paint/color a beautiful, sunny nature scene!

:hug:, Lola

 

[Lionheart]

Wow!!! Yes, those words do sound familiar...gulp* LOL :facepalm::D:p:cool:

Today, I have been coloring mandalas in an adult coloring book with colored pencils, markers, etc. and find it really soothing....although my attention span is short and I have had to take several breaks, still, it is an activity that I enjoy. :happy:

I will use these escapes as I am able and want to thank you, ...

I value your presence and support.

:hug:'s

Lion

 

[Lionheart]

I just bought a Therapy Lamp for Seasonal Affective Disorder. :)

.....which includes 10,000-lux light therapy, negative ion therapy, and it comes recommended by the Columbia Department of Psychiatry and the New York State Psychiatry Institute.

Please Note: The information I have did say that it is NOT recommended for those with Bi-Polar disorder.:confused:

Today was a rough day, it was rainy and dreary and depression was definitely active but, I should have the light therapy box in less than one week. I look forward to putting it to good use.:cool:

Thanks @Silver. for recommending a light therapy box and @She Cat for suggesting I file a claim with my insurance company. I feel that I have taken a step in the right direction.

 

[Lola Nocheprieta]

GOOD JOB! I know when depression sets in the easiest tasks become so much harder, so the multi-step process of researching, choosing, finding, ordering, etc, etc ... I never did get to the point of ordering/choosing. Please post the relevant info or a link so we all know exactly which one, you did the hard work for us! I want to get the one that's got the rec from professionals, too!

Very proud of you, my friend. I'm sure it will make a big difference.

 

[Lionheart]

Awwww thank you @Lola Nocheprieta

Dead Link Removed

Wal-mart carries the same one for about $5 cheaper but they were out of stock.

I think this one is reasonably priced for the quality of product one receives. I saw the same one retailing for $100 on another site and this one runs about $50-55

I can barely wait till it arrives. :happy::barefoot::happy:

 

[Lionheart]

My light box arrived this morning and I am loving it!! :inlove:

I wish I had gotten one sooner but, better late than never right?:tup:

This light box not only delivers 10,000 lux of light, but it also has a built in negative ionizer. Negative ions, which are found in the air, particularly after a thunderstorm, have been shown to lift ones spirits as well.

It costs just around $50 (for the model I have) to improve depression, mood, energy, and recalibrate Circadian Rhythm (sleep patterns, temperature, hormone levels).

I just started using the light box for my seasonal depression and already I am thinking it was a wise investment. I recommend these to anyone suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

:hug:'s
Lion

 

[Lionheart]

I saw my doctor today and it turns out that I am deficient in Vitamin D. Now why am I not surprised???

I begin vitamin supplements in the morning and will continue light therapy. Depression is minimal and anxiety has stabilized and all-in-all I am doing well.

 

[Lola Nocheprieta]

That's great to hear! Even the part about the Vit D deficiency... At least there is something you can do about that. Does the light box increase Vit D?

 

[Lionheart]

Does the light box increase Vit D?

The light box simulates blue sky, so I am going to say 'yes', but I don't know for sure, this is just my guesstimate.:):giggle::barefoot:

 

[Deleted member 541]

@Lionheart777 it depends on the light box itself, which one. The higher the lux, the more vitamin D it will produce. Did your dr write you a script for Vit D, or just tell you to buy it OTC??? Dr write scripts for plain vit D, but the best is Vit D3 which the body absorbs better and faster.

If you are doing supplements and the light box, I strongly suggest that in about 4-5 months to have your vit D level check again. Too high, over 100 you become toxic. Drs like your level to be around 30, but the higher the better. Last time I had mine tested it was 44, which for me is low. It was summer, so I had stopped supplementing. Back on 4000iu daily for winter.

I'm glad you got tested!!!!

 

[Lionheart]

Actually my doctor wrote a prescription for Vitamin D3 and low-dose "baby" aspirin (because it's now recommended for those with diabetes), as well as Amitiza for IBS. She seems to be a good doctor and I am happy to work with her.

I am happy I got tested too!!!

Thanks @She Cat for your support and encouragement,

Lion