Anyone else hate spring?

[madison2000]

Its the lowest time of year for me, especially April. And after the weekend that the clocks change, I'm a basket case. Happens almost every year.

I get through it, but right now I am bracing myself for it.

[hedgehog]

1. It sounds like quackery , but check out a full spectrum bright

light recommended for treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder. (SAD) Most people associate it with winter darkness, but I recently found out that depressives tend to hit a slump in early spring.That's certainly been my pattern for years. I haven't tried the lamp it through my tough season yet, but it certainly helped my day time drowsiness and I'm sleeping better. My kids who have depressive illness are also using it and say they are sleeping better or feeling perky or else are getting more done.

[madison2000]

4. When do you use the light?

[hedgehog]

5. I use it for half an hour first thing in the morning

I eat my breakfast and read a book with it shining at me, not over my shoulder. My kids have it behind the computer monitor so it shines at them while they check their e-mail in the morning. All the evidence seems to be anecdotal, but as my doctor says, it can't hurt and if it helps, go for it. My husband notes that the chickens start laying like crazy when we leave the lights on in the hen house, so he figures we must be light sensitive as well! I'm feeling better and I guarantee that I haven't started clucking yet!

[depakid]

2. Dysphoric hypomania is common in the spring

among people with bipolar disorders. Surprisingly, many pdocs are unaware of this- so it pays to be cautious.

You may want to ask your doc for a prescription for ativan or klonipin.

[madison2000]

3. I'm not bipolar or hypomanic

I just have depression. I think those would put me to sleep! :boring:

[depakid]

6. That's the idea!

LOL!

If you're BP- sleep is good this time of year- but if you're more on the unipolar side of the spectrum, then you'll probably want to try something else. B-)

[EFerrari]

7. I'm just the opposite

In mid October, I start deading the way I'll feel when the light goes away. Not in those terms, just some sensitivity in my brain that starts a quiet drumbeat.

Just about now, I feel sort of good and hopeful for no reason whatsoever. Hmmmmm. I guess this would make Spring my "Careful not to wallpaper the ceiling" season.

Beth

[CoffeeCat]

8. I don't know if this will fit for you...

...but a certain time of the year is really difficult for me.

Something traumatic happened to me during a particular month.

I never really made the connection between my depression during this month and the traumatic event that happened, until a therapist said, "Do you realize that you have started therapy three times in the month of February?"

I would start to feel the dread after Christmas and Feb was always very difficult.

Maybe the Spring or certain times trigger bad feelings, due to events that have happened to you during these times of the year?

Just a thought.

Also, I have always felt more protected or insulated, during the winter months. I feel more vulnerable in the Spring. We wear less clothing, we're more exposed, etc.

I never liked the summer either, because I was out of my school schedule and home more--and that was unpleasant.

Again, this is my experience and it may not fit for you. I wanted to share some of my stuff, and if you could relate--at least you would know you're not alone.

Take care--