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| I'm one who suffers from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Lots of people experience this condition and many of us fisherpeople suffer worse because we're self-conditioned to get lots more sunshine than many other folks. Here's a little more info and a tip on how to beat SAD.
SAD is a deal where you experience prolonged loss of energy and mild depression due to the drastic reduction of exposure to sunlight at this time of year. SAD can greatly intensify any preexisting problems, like depression/anxiety or chronic fatigue syndrome. It's also bad for folks who are struggling to control substance abuse. Even though our days begin getting longer on December 21, many folks don't start feeling better until late spring when we finally start getting the light we really need.
A psychiatrist told me how to deal with SAD and it works. I've rigged two powerful full spectrum spot lights (lumilux?) in appropriate metal housings on our family's computer desk. These housings have spring clamps so I'm able to place the lights about 20" from me and they're shining right smack into my face. I think the two lights are about 120 watts each and together they give off the minimum light needed to make a real difference. I need to sit in front of them a minimum of 45 minutes each day. After 3-4 days of this I feel a marked increase in energy and a much more positive attitude. If I slack off and miss a couple days my energy and mood both drop like a stone. It really works.
I know that SAD affects lots of people, many don't know why they feel the way they do. And so, of course, lots of people don't even know there is a easy way to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. If you think you might benefit from trying the light trick, then you should give it a try. Remember, full spectrum lights of at least 240 watts (over 300 would be better) right in your face for at least 45 minutes a day. If it works for you, you'll notice significant improvement in energy levels and mood within a week.
You'll go from this....[:blackeye:] [:((] [:knockout:]
to this....[:bigsmile:] [:p] [;)]
in no time at all. |
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| Hmmmmmmm
Interesting!!!
How about just driving to Kinkaid or Cave Run....wont that help?[:bigsmile:] |
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| Ranger,
Have you been hitting the "medicine cabinet" too much lately??? You are right about the light affecting peoples moods, same goes for colors of walls in your house, office and stores. Up in Alaska and other places near the Arctic circle many people use sun lights to alleviate the symptoms you mention as well as boost their Vitamin D stores in their bodies. Too bad they don't make a light that broadcasts the colors and light from your favorite lake. My birthday is December 21st the gloomiest day of the year, yuck!!
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| Hiya Derek,
No, I've been hitting the meds just about right lately, though maybe I drank too much beer at deer camp.
December 21, the winter solstice, isn't such a bad day for a birthday. After all, that's the day when it turns around - there won't be a day that short for another whole year. Guess it depends on how you look at it, eh? |
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| This time of year I usually grind up a mixture of Prozac, Paxil, Efexor, Zoloft, and a few MAO inhibitors and 1 Haldol tab. After snorting said mixture, I quickly run outside and stare at the snow till blindness sets in. I think I will live to see Spring.
In the ultimate pursuit of happiness one learns "not to think less of ones self, only to think of ones self less. |
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| Ranger, I have felt the effects of SAD and never thought much of it until I did a fake bake before a trip to Mexico. My attitude did improve alot! I do like the idea of a trip to Kincade or the Cave. My wife says all my aches and pains go away when I'm fishing..... You're pal, Turd[:sun:] [:bigsmile:] |
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| Ranger,
Get out on the ice during the sunny days, and enjoy the snow reflected light. It can be refreshing as can be, and fun to catch a fish or two, also.[:sun:] [:sun:] [:sun:] [:sun:] [:sun:] [:sun:] [:sun:] [:sun:] [:sun:] [:sun:] |
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