Seasonal anxiety/depression?

[katie80]

I've started to notice that every year it gets colder and I get this creeping sense of dread. I would definitely call it anxiety more than depression (I guess?) but it's definitely related to the season change. I remember feeling this a little bit when I was a teenager although it's gotten worse as I've gotten older (or maybe I'm just more self-aware and know what to call it now, which isn't a bad thing?). I'm not sure if that's like a chemical SAD reason, or if it's because I start remembering some crappy times from colder months in recent years. 

But I'm over it. It's been cold here for literally 2 days and I feel like it's already at an all-time high. My husband got his favorite sweater out of the closet this morning and I got anxious just seeing it. (I mean, it isn't THAT ugly ) DS was listening to a Christmas song (because he's 4 and likes what he likes) and it made it worse. I like this time of year, in theory. I do not like feeling like this. I'm an anxious person in general but I can normally deal with it. This feels different.

Who do I call? I haven't lived here all that long so I don't have a PCP, but I have seen an OB/GYN locally. Would she be able to prescribe something or do I need to suck it up and go for a physical and bring it up then? I've never seen a therapist although I'm not opposed to doing that, I just don't know where to start. (It's probably also not helpful that I get very anxious about going to the doctor.)

TIA. And if you have any non-medication tips for how to make it better, I'd love to hear those too. 

[jigsy]

Do you live in an area that is losing a lot of sunlight? It could be that your VitD levels are dropping, and if that is the case, a supplement would help. You could also get a SAD lamp if it is the psychological part of missing the sun. From the research I have done, don't get a cheap lamp, it likely won't work.

As far as the other part of your question - it could be a good time to establish a relationship with a PCP, but you OBGYN could possibly help you. I think some are more willing than others to act as a PCP.

[circa1978]

I HATE the winter months. I'm fine in fall and even sometimes up until Christmas. But January and February are the worst for me and I spent October through spring bracing for it. I have taken Vit D some years and have a lamp, but IDK, the only time it didn't bother me was when I lived in Florida. I'm pretty much just trying to plan a tropical vacation for that time this year.

[katie80]

Oh, Vit D is a good thought! It has still been sunny, but I notice one of the things that starts it off is that the light starts changing this time of year. I think actually I may have some supplements already (which I clearly have not been taking)

[isabel]

I would find a PCP and make an appointment. I had been dreading doing so for a different issue simply because it felt awkward to go in and try to establish a relationship while also coming in with an issue. Honestly, it was 100% fine and the doctor I saw was great. We chatted a bit and just discussed general life stuff, then she asked what was going on with my symptoms, did an exam, and we talked about treatment. It was easy and now I have an established relationship with a PCP for all the myriad of health things that I could need one for.

I was like you and only had ever really seen by OB. I'm so glad that I finally did this.

[luckystar2]

I started using a light therapy lamp a few years ago and it absolutely has helped me so much. I don’t need it in the summer and start back up using it in the fall. I can tell when I need to start it back up again. I just use it in the morning when I’m getting ready.

Mine is from amazon. I can’t find the exact one right now since it is at least a few years old.

I figured it was worth a try before going to dr and trying meds. I seriously was mad at myself for not buying it sooner once I finally did get it! I had thought about it for a while. While I still don’t love winter, I’m not feeling depression during the winter like I used to.

Mine is more depression than anxiety. But it may be worth looking into. Going to the dr for a physical and to discuss wouldn’t hurt either.

[sweetiesparkles]

What helps me is Vitamin D (5000 units)
Red Light therapy (at a tanning salon but I only do red light, no tanning)
Sunlamp (but I travel for work in a car so I get sunlight during the day)
Sauna (I bought one from Costco—I like being warm )

[ckay]

I don’t do well in the winter, either. Vitamin D helps, as does exercise, even if it’s the last thing I want to do. I’ve found that bundling up and going for a short walk (unless it’s icy or those awful below zero days) helps, just getting the fresh air. And then the treadmill for actual cardio. Also, I buy fun pajama pants and bright fleece blankets, anything to brighten up the inside of my house. Also, I use Xanax as needed for anxiety, which ramps up in the winter. My PCP prescribes it. I hope you find something that helps!

[halfpint]

Vitamin D for sure, and full spectrum lighting. Get outside during the day as much as you can.
I would look for a behavioral/mental health clinic - just to make it easier on yourself, it's nice to have a therapist and someone who can prescribe in the same office. I feel better when I talk to someone and when I'm medicated, but I stay medicated all year long Talk therapy might also help you get to the bottom of the feelings - what triggers them, how are you really feeling (is it anxiety? Or is it a version of SAD?), and techniques to deal when medication doesn't quite cut it.

[cjcouple]

I definitely get this feeling but it is usually after the holidays and not as bad as yours seems. I found by planning special weekend trips (indoor water park, overnight hotel stays, snow tubing) and specific specific plans, it helps me through. But in your situation, since it starts so early (and winter can be so long), I suggest you make an appt with a new PCP and discuss it. In the mean time, try to plan a fun weekend or 2 now until you can get in. Hope you feel better soon.