Posted by Kila on August 1, 2004, at 22:49:53
In reply to Re: Interested in learning about summer S.A.D. » Kila, posted by leor on July 25, 2004, at 11:53:21
Hi Leor, Thanks for the info. Maybe it is a general temperature sensitivity but I have to say it NEVER gets to the point of feeling cold to me here in Fla. Our coldest winter days are lows in the 30's, highs in the 50's and I am in my glory with those temps. I run outside everyday when it is cool and I'll pass people bundled up like it's the north pole and I'm in my usual running shorts and tank top. Of your suggestions, the first three I already do. I'll try vitamin D as well. Since hearing of the possibility that the length of the days might be a factor, I've considered that and think it very well could be a big part of it. It seems like the sun virtually never goes away for 6 months of the year. I'm sure the heat would bother me less if the sun would come up later and go down earlier. I just need a LITTLE more time without that blazing orb on my head. I virtually do not go outside at all (made easier since I work at home) and I just keep it as cold and dark as possible inside. People think I'm a freak but what can I do. It also seems that my three children are just like me in having an intense aversion to the heat. On the one hand I'd like to think that relocating would make me "normal" but again it would be next to impossible to leave all my family and move away. Just finding other people like myself has already made me feel better. That and the fact that I am already halfway through another summer now! Thanks.
> Kila, I don’t wish to shatter your hopes but I’m not so sure that moving to a different climate would necessarily alleviate your symptoms. Much of the research I’ve come across has indicated that S.A.D. involves a general temperature sensitivity - whether to heat or cold. If you were living in Canada, as I do, you’d have to endure six months of cold annually - a situation every bit as difficult as the one you currently face in sunny Florida. Like most disabilities I think that S.A.D. is best treated through adaptation. For their possible usefulness I’ll mention some of my coping-mechanisms:
> ( 1 ) Always were polarizing sun glasses outdoors
> ( 2 ) Drink large quantities of water (to keep the body cool)
> ( 3 ) Wear loss, comfortable, well ventilated close to minimize perspiration
>
> ( 4 ) Take Vitamin D or Rocalcetrol (it’s active form). Vitamin D help regulates the bodies’ absorption of sunlight and also has a mildly antidepressant affect.
>
> Good Luck!
>
poster:Kila
thread:236275
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040730/msgs/373014.html