Posted by noa on January 14, 2002, at 16:53:44
In reply to Re: Old man winter » mr.scott, posted by IsoM on January 10, 2002, at 14:51:29
> hi Scott.
I have chronic "double depression"--recurrent major episodes on top of chronic dysthymia. But one could say I have a "triple" depression in that I also have a seasonal pattern of worsening mood and increased sleepiness from autumn through midwinter. In college, my fall semesters were hard--junior and senior year I dropped courses down to part time, while in the spring I was able to complete full loads.
It doesn't always follow the pattern. Some of my worst depressions were in the spring or summer.
But over the years, it has become pretty obvious that at the very least my energy level has decressed with the waning daylight. Last year, I promised myself to get a light box for this fall/winter because of my mood being a bit lower and because of how hard it is to get out of bed in the morning.
I'm happy to say it works for me!
The problems with it are finding times to sit in front of it, given my schedule. I've managed ok, with the one regular size box, but I just ordered a desk lamp version for my desk at work, where I have no window in my office. I am hoping that will allow me more options of when to use the light (right now I am using the light box in the very very early morning, since I have to be at work by 7:30 am). I also bought a dawn simulator to wake up to.
What I wish is that my gym would have light boxes on wheeled stands so that I could have the light box treatment at the same time as doing the eliptical or treadmill exercisers! Actually, the desk lamp I just bought allows the light part to detach as a portable/travel version. Maybe I can take it to the gym (just have to find a plug near the excercise machines). Someday, maybe the excercise machines will come with light treatment attached!
poster:noa
thread:89593
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020110/msgs/90125.html