I grew up in NE Ohio.  Lake effect clouds always kept me down.  Now I live in AZ.  Sunshine always makes me feel better!

Julia

Hi Barbara, yes I really identify! I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also known in the UK as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis M.E.) and can be housebound for lengthy periods, incapacitated. As a result of this I began to suffer Clinical Depression. It later transpired that I also suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D). I've got a slightly warped sense of humour and couldn't help but chuckle at the irony in the acronyms SAD ME!

I have good days and bad but I am always worse from about October to March (when it's very grey, bleak, cold and often wet in the UK) irrespective of how much positive thinking I do around it! My Mum is also very much affected by the weather. I can still get very frustrated that for half a year every year I just about 'get by'. The positive thinking helps me 'get by' better. I started attending a Depression support group and that also helped. It was started by a fellowship member so there are a great deal of 'program' aspects to it. You would imagine that sitting in a room full of people suffering various levels of depression and mental health problems that it could add to my negativity but Al-Anon taught me I could care but not take on other peoples problems as my own and I found it very rewarding. I learnt about my triggers and methods to deal with my difficulties more effectively. I phone other members from the group to help ward off 'episodes'. These were techniques I learnt in Al-Anon. I work program around my illnesses every day and somedays I really do have to work it! My SAD and depression are much more manageble today as I have greater awareness and acceptance. My M.E/CFS follows a pattern of relapse and remission and I try to make the most of my good days.

I heard about 'light lamps' for emulating natural daylight and I know a couple of people who used them and found them very beneficial. I have not heard of the 'light bulbs'. I couldn't afford a lamp at the time but would imagine these bulbs are substantially less expensive. After 5 years in recovery hearing about self-care, I've done what I could to improve my health but still never bought that lamp. After reading your post it's reminded me that I'm worthy and if the 'bulbs' aren't sufficient for my needs I'm going to get myself one of those lamps! I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired yet again. If I don't do the footwork, I may miss the miracle. I don't know if any of this helps you but you've certainly helped me! Your little post was the whispered words of my HP. Thank you so much. (((((Barbara)))))

Finally, I started seeing a naturopath and part of the regime included a daily half hour walk outside. It wasn't just for the daylight, in my case it was also about gentle exercise and fresh air. I thought it sounded pretty obvious and to be honest underestimated the potential benefits. I thought 'if i could walk for half hour a day you super-qualified idiot, I would!' I voiced my concerns (much more politely lol) and he said if I couldn't walk to just sit in the garden. I don't have a garden and didn't fancy sitting in the street but where there's a will there's a way and I do have a park 5-10minutes from me. Sometimes I sit there bundled up in a ski-suit and blanket (I no longer worry about looking like a 'freak') and sometimes I sit in my Mums garden. If I couldn't get out in the daytime, I'd go in the evening when my recovering A could accompany me even if it was dark. That time was a time of peace and it was good for me just to get some air. I've let it lapse though and your post has inspired me to start it up again.

I can't thank you enough for inspiring and motivating me at a time when I was particularly low and wondering just where to start to dig my way out. I prayed on it and I feel my prayers were answered. Bless your heart and soul.

With love in the fellowship, x Maria x