Janepie33 Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 DD was feeling so low, she went to the GP who sent her for blood tests and the results came back with very low vitamin D levels. she has been taking vitamin D tablets for over a month now and has not really seen a difference. She is still very low and burst into tears for no apparent reason. She is tired and cold all the time and has now quit her job as she hates it so much. She seems to perk up a bit on bright sunny days, so after a bit of research, I am wondering if she might have SAD. I was thinking about getting a SAD lamp, but they seem rather costly. Any information or advice greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 Previous thread here that may be useful re lightboxes. http://club.omlet.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=83400&p=1144628&hilit=winter+sad#p1144628 I have a Lumie alarm clock, that wakes you up with light rather than screaming at you, but that probably wouldn't help your daughter much. Fingers crossed for many more bright sunny days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 There are actually 2 different SADS's....I suffer from the 'other' one...social anxiety disorder. I have heard that those light boxes can work wonders too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 When I was in Chicago a week or so ago, in the hotel at breakfast a girl brought down a portable SAD light box. It might be worth a go, especially with the gentle wake up light alarms clocks so she starts the day off in a gentler way. It might be worth her going back to speak to her GP again to rule out anything else. She may well be actually depressed and some low dose pills might help her get through this down period. She wouldn't have to take them forever, and they really do help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 You can hire the light boxes and if you buy them you don't have to pay the vat if you have a diagnosis. Maplin sometimes have cheap ones and wake up alarms too. I have found that mind really helps. As an aside has she had her thyroid levels checked too, being cold all the time is a symptom of an underactive thyroid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janepie33 Posted January 9, 2015 Author Share Posted January 9, 2015 Thanks for your advice everyone. It's back to the GP I think. Yes Chickencam, her thyroid was checked in the round of blood tests. I did wonder if that was the problem as my mum has had thyroid problems for years (over active, not under), but the tests came back as normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted January 11, 2015 Share Posted January 11, 2015 How old is your daughter? She couldn't be going through a very early menopause could she? Has she had blood tests to check she has the correct hormone levels? I once upon a time had some blood tests to check for a hormone..I think it was called LPH hormone???? I have poly cystic ovaries & this can affect your overall mood. Might be worth a mention? Starflower oil capsules help a lot. I'm not a lover of this time of year. I hate January - I find it drab & a real sort of nothing month. Cold, dull, no celebrations, festivities over - decorations down. It is miserable. I try to be outdoors as much as my body will allow me before perishing, as I believe fresh air is good for you, but I like to huddle round the rayburn & fire once I am back indoors. I'm no sun worshipper, but I adore the beach. I love being able to stay outdoors until god knows what hour, I love floaty clothes & I adore flowers. Yes flowers.. that is what I miss in Winter...colour & flowers!!!! Wish I could hibernate for January! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted January 11, 2015 Share Posted January 11, 2015 On the subject of colour and flowers, the only things that are colourful now are hellibores and polyanthus both give me some hope for the spring, we also have two solitary snowdrops. They come in reds, purples and whites of various shades, they spread and are virtually impossible to kill. Getting outdoors is so important even if you don't feel like it, that is why I love having my hens, because they have to cared for everyday even if it only for a few minutes. I have been better in the eight winters that we have had them, if only slightly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 A friend of mine is a bit of an exoert on SAD as she has this and under active thyroid, which she has treatment for. I understand from her that a combination of a certain amount of time (the length of time is crucial) of SAD light box treatment, and vigorous outdoor exercise works best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
