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health advisory Hospital Mental Health 2007-11-15 18:59:03

I get depressed in the winter and am tired and un motivated at times and grouchy. Someone told me it was from lack of sunlight. In this case would it help if I went to the tanning bed? I have concerns about skin damage but it it weren't in excess, (once a week for five minutes) in the winter only would that be okay?

Answer:

It is beilved that the sun helps elevate levels of sertonin in the brain, which is beilved to control mood. I would see no reason not to do a tanning bed once a week, but talk to a profesionaal. Exercise can also help. good luck.

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Discuss it with a mental health professional. There are conditions that cause people to become depressed due to lack of sun. You might have it checked out.

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Yep...Seasonal Depression Syndrome, A lot of people have it. I do. I wouldnt suggest a tanning bed to anyone but yes I do it. It makes me feel better.

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Believe it or not it's true. But you don't need a tanning bed to solve your blues. They make lights especially for this condition, although I cannot recall the brand name...They simulate sunlight.

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i know several people who get very "low" in the winter-especially February, after being stuck indoors for months. We always try to plan a vacation somewhere warmer (even if it is just a short lil break). Just so we have something to look forward to. It gets hard-i know. You would have to talk to a physician who could recommend someone else for you to talk to...I hope you find a solution! Good Luck!

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It is very possible that you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is thought to be related to lack of sunshine, which affects the level of certain neurotransmitters. It is too late in the year to do much good, but the best known remedy is using a special light source that mimics some of the suns light stectrum. It is best to start using this light for about 1/2 hour a day BEFORE the gloomy season hits, and continue through the winter into spring. They are a few hundred bucks. You just sit in front of it and read or relax for a bit. Exercise also boosts endorphin levels, making you mood better.

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Yes I've suffered with depression for years and it does always seem to get a little worse in the winter time. I'v done the tanning bed thing and it helps a little but I would only do it once a week tops so that you don't have any skin damage. Also exercising helps release chemicals in your body that will help fight off the blues. If you think you can make it through OK with no help from a professional good for you! but if you do need a little bump in the right direction don't feel ashamed to go to your doctor and ask for help.

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It's called Seasonal Affective Disorder. My family is prone to it.