Depression Forum - Physical Symptoms of S.a.d

Mental Health > Depression Forum > Physical Symptoms of S.a.d

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Q: Physical Symptoms of S.a.d

asked by: marvel on December 9th, 2007

Supporter

Hi!

I'm just curious. Last winter was my last winter without medication for depression. I'm convinced that my depression was a combination of the coping mechanisms I developed as a child (that backfired later on in life) combined with winter. I have since worked on my coping mechanisms (and other psychological hoo-ha that I had to resolve), and I am significanly less depressed.. if at all. And this is without medication.

However. I find that since winter-ish weather/lack of sun has dawned upon me up here in Canada, I'm finding that I am exhibiting a lot of the physical symptoms of depression that I experienced.... minus the psychological depression. Achy back and shoulders... lots of withdrawal.... sore ears.... headaches.... I went to the doctor just to make sure it wasn't a virus or anything... and I'm all clear.

Any suggestions? I dont' want to go back on meds. Do you think a SAD light will help with physical symptoms? Anyone?

Thanks in advance!!

Replies(3)

kymm

replied on December 9th, 2007

Experienced User

Dreary Days

I find that I am more depressed in the winter time, due to lack of sun, cold, and not being able to go out and enjoy the outside. I tend to want to hibernate. Want to stay in the house and sleep all the time. Like you i have gotten off of my meds, I just think it's this time of year when alot of people get the blues.

Mike East Texas

replied on December 10th, 2007

Experienced User

I have lived with depression without medication for most of my life. Most of my work has been indoors. I have had ongoing depression, stress, and anxiety. Manny of the years I would have anxiety driven chest pains. When my wife seperated from me I start to have chest pains. For three weeks I treated them with asperin, and relaxation. The pains turned into real heart attacks. My EKG would always read good. My colesterol would be good. The last real life threatening heart attack occured after recieving bad news. I can't help but believe that having a mental condition untreated has had an effect on the physical. Get a SAD light, try a lower dose of meds. Try something, but don't try to go untreated. It will effect your health.

marvel

replied on December 11th, 2007

Supporter

This is what I've been considering. It's not terrible right now or anything, but I can definitely notice a difference in my body from summer to winter. I'm going to have a chat with the doc.

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