Seasonal Affective Disorder

[alex2010]

So 2 weeks ago, I made the difficult choice to make an appointment at my universities health and counseling center, because my friends were worried about me being depressed so often (and I was getting worried too). So I go to my appointment last week and sit down with the counselor and I tell her everything since senior year of high school. But I mainly tell her about how I feel every winter (depressed a lot of the time and no motivation where all I wanna do is lay on my bed and sleep) So basically, my counselor is pretty sure I have seasonal affective disorder (seasonal depression or winter downs). What I'm asking about is how do I stay happy in the winter (its really cold where I go to college and I don't have a car). Like last night I was so depressed that I had to call the local crisis line. What can I do to avoid having to call again and also what can I do to stay happy?

[AlyDel]

I'm wondering exactly how much information your counselor gave you on seasonal affective disorder. You know what it is. If you live in a place where there are really long winter nights, you're at a greater risk to have it. Are you taking any antidepressants or going to therapy? Also one suggestion is taking long walks when the sun is out and getting some exercise. Find ways to keep active. Go to parties, social events, spend the night at a friend's house, etc. Also remember to pay a visit to your doctor.

You can use these sites as well if you need a bit more information:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002499/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sea...sorder/DS00195

[Bridghid]

Both of those are good sites to get information from. You can also take a look up SAD on emedicine. They have some really good in-depth information as well as some strategies to try to help with the symptoms.

Besides the counsellor and the crisis line, have you talked to anyone else about this? You doctor may be able to help with possible treatment options.