ChrisP Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 Hi everyone Hope no-one minds, but I'd like to ask some advice from you all I have a friend, who thinks she may have SAD or possibly slight depression, but doesn't really know what to do about it. I know it's really affecting her, not sure what to do. If she went to the Doctors, could they help? Should I suggest to her she goes there? Thanks all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 Sorry to hear about your friend. I have a friend who is affected by this. I have heard that light boxes can help. I hope someone else has some advice, just in case I am wrong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redfrock Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 Point her in the dorection of these websites - they might assist her, and maybe she might like to invest in a light box or a lumie alarm clock. I have found my alarm clock to be wonderful. Somewhere on this forum is a whole thread dedicated to SAD. Hope she finds her sparkle again soon http://www.sad.org.uk/ http://www.lumie.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted December 13, 2008 Share Posted December 13, 2008 Buffie suffers from SAD and has posted about it before on here...............she'll be along soon I'm sure. Use the links given above and read as much as you can - it should give you an insight into how your friend is feeling and how you may be able to help. I use the Lumie alarm - but only because it is a more natural way to wake up on dark mornings. I love my clock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisP Posted December 14, 2008 Author Share Posted December 14, 2008 Thanks for the website addresses, have passed them on And thanks for the quick replies This really is a great forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 http://www.sada.org.uk/ I always advise clients look at this site too, it helped me all those years ago Good advice on here so far, as usual. It has similar symptoms to mild depression or more severe depression sometimes, so needs a little investigation. It's useful to keep a note if the dull, dark days make symptoms worse. September is the ideal time to start light therapy, I always post on the forum at this time Seeing a GP, looking to talk to someone etc can all help. I also suggest that you can work on motivating yourself with daily goals. Hope this helps Buffie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 Hi everyone Hope no-one minds, but I'd like to ask some advice from you all I have a friend, who thinks she may have SAD or possibly slight depression, but doesn't really know what to do about it. I know it's really affecting her, not sure what to do. If she went to the Doctors, could they help? Should I suggest to her she goes there? Thanks all Great advice from everyone about the lightboxes and SAD, but i would also suggest a trip to the GP as well to make sure that any possible clinical depression does get treated. The lightbox treatment can still be used - I think everyone would benefit from a bit of extra light at this time of year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 I suffer mildly and lose all motivation at this time of year, but I have found my Phillips wake up light has really helped to get me out of bed in the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisP Posted December 15, 2008 Author Share Posted December 15, 2008 Thanks all for the responses Maybe a look into the lightboxes is in order then, and a trip to GP to check its nothing else? I didn't realise how common SAD was, there's a few people at my school who find it easy to mock it, think that's why my friend hasn't really talked about it much Thanks again for support and advice ideas, you all have answers for everything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A chickychickychick-ENN!! Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 Lightboxes for SAD, but if there's anything else in her life that is not helping with SAD, then counselling can work wonders (it's important to find a counsellor you feel you really click with - not just any old counsellor). And exercise, if you can force yourself, helps with mood as it releases happy chemicals. Tends to be really hard to get out and do it if it's deep depression though. I hope she finds what she needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAZAROO Posted December 15, 2008 Share Posted December 15, 2008 Hi everyone Hope no-one minds, but I'd like to ask some advice from you all I have a friend, who thinks she may have SAD or possibly slight depression, but doesn't really know what to do about it. I know it's really affecting her, not sure what to do. If she went to the Doctors, could they help? Should I suggest to her she goes there? Thanks all Boots sdo very reasonable light boxes starting at around £50; St Johns wort may help her mood; as last resort maybe a chat with a gp is a good option! It is natural to feel a bit more subdued at this time of year x Sometimes people who are anemic can seem depressed.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...