Anonymous asked this question on 4/8/2000:
I don't really know how to explain what I'm feeling. For the past few years, I have been so depressed all late winter- especially Janurary and February. I have always dreaded that time of year. This year, it was much better. I finally felt like I had a little control of my life again. And now that it is spring- the time when I am usually coming out of my lull- just like that, it happened again. I mean, a week ago, I was on top of the world. And now I'm in this bad mood that I just can't shake no matter what and I hate myself when I get like this. I have every reason to be happy. I haven't fought with my parents or sister in weeks, I have a great b/f and everything is going great, I am making straight A's this quarter, I've been getting enough sleep for once... But I find myself feeling so.. I don't even know how to explain it. I close up and won't let anyone in, even though I am screaming for someone to see. And then, of course, IF someone actually happens to notice that I am throwing one of my little fits, I just say nothing is wrong and then get mad because they just let it go, when that is basically what I told them to do...
It wouldn't be so bad if I actually knew WHY I am so depressed, but I seriously have no clue. I mean, when I get upset over something, it usually is something that shouldn't bother me or normally wouldn't. It's usually just an excuse to be upset because I don't know what is that is really the cause... I don't know. It's not anything that happens or that anyone does. It's just something...
I don't really know what my question is, but I guess I just need to vent and to hear some encouraging words to let me know that I'm not going crazy.
pain1 gave this response on 4/8/2000:
Hi
It sounds to me as though you have S.A.D. (Seasonal Affected Disorder) This is well known and can, I understand, be very quickly fixed.
It seems that some people get bogged down when the light is less..ie. in Winter. If, as this year, the winter is a little brighter so is the disorder.
You are probably in the rut now because of a change in the weather again?? Has it suddenly become a lot colder and has the light gone dimmer again?? People have all types of this disorder.
It seems that a simple light box can be a fantastic aid to bring you back from the awful downer you are in. My neighbour sits in front of this special light box for about 30mins twice a day...and she is just fine.
I know this may sound odd but it is really a known disorder...and could explain why you don't understand your mood swings???
Good luck and see your doctor and ask if this could be the case...
Dave (UK)
The average rating for this answer is 5.
Anonymous rated this answer a 5.
Actually, it has gotten much brighter, but the weather was less cold and dim this winter.