Posted by Chloe on June 15, 2002, at 12:40:25
In reply to Reverse (summer) SAD, long, posted by Cece on June 13, 2002, at 23:31:51
Cece,
I always *thought* I liked summer because the temperatures were warmer. I live in New England. But I think most of my depressions begin after a hypomanic/agitated april and May. The whole "daylight savings" thing sends me into a lather. Why do we have to change the clocks so there is dramatically more light during the waking hours???Makes me furious. And I am upset for a week trying to adjust to this outdated government imposed change...GRR.
I then tend to crash in June/July/August. There is just too much damn light. I find myself hiding in the house until the sun is very low about 7 pm, then I go for my walk or do some weeding, etc. I too, love the rainy dark days were the light does not intrude on my pillow at 4:30 am in the summer.
I remember one summer in college, I spent most of my days in my apartment bedroom with the shade drawn all day and night. I could see the light beaming in intensely at the bottom, and it would make me uncomfortable. I would feel calm when the sun would finally drop below the horizon.I really don't like when we have to change the clocks in the fall, either. I find it very disruptive and upsetting and it takes me at least a week to adjust and feel "normal" again. I think it's harder than spring, since I don't usually have the hypofeelings. But I do find the darkness more comforting. I like taking a walk at 6 pm and having it be pitch black. I never feel scared or alone. But when March starts rolling in, I can see the days getting longer and longer, and my anxiety rises...and the cycle starts again. I am also BP2, BTW.
I always thought my goal should be to live closer to the equator, then I would not experience these drastic changes in light, mood, energy level, cycling, etc. But from what you wrote, most RSAD complaints come from folks living on the equator...Go figure. I never considered my aversion to the intense, long sunny days of summer as RSAD. But it's an interesting notion. It would explain some things...And why most people think I am nuts when I feel like I need to be indoors in the daytime of summer. And my precious dark nights are so short, I get so little done :( without stayin up way too late.
Thanks for starting the thread.
Chloe
poster:Chloe
thread:109762
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020609/msgs/109942.html