Relapse...EVERY Winter - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

cinemachick · 01-23-2008, 12:50 AM

I've read that bipolars are more depressed in the winter and more manic in the summer. Does this happen to anyone else?

I can't stand this little trend of mine...once November 1st comes around (not joking) I hit rock bottom, then I don't go up until about March. I am a rapid cycler, so I do experience some mania during this time, but I am mostly in a depressed state. It is like I relapse then my meds have to be changed all over again.

I'm halfway through this tough season, and I'm trying so hard not to end up in the hospital this year, even though it has been brought up by my psych.

I would like to know that I'm not alone in this!

Thanks.

ssforcey · 01-23-2008, 07:20 AM

I don't really have any advice. I'm just sorry you're going thru this.

bellablue2 · 01-23-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinemachick

I've read that bipolars are more depressed in the winter and more manic in the summer. Does this happen to anyone else?

I can't stand this little trend of mine...once November 1st comes around (not joking) I hit rock bottom, then I don't go up until about March. I am a rapid cycler, so I do experience some mania during this time, but I am mostly in a depressed state. It is like I relapse then my meds have to be changed all over again.

I'm halfway through this tough season, and I'm trying so hard not to end up in the hospital this year, even though it has been brought up by my psych.

I would like to know that I'm not alone in this!

Thanks.

Hi: You just described me!!! I have to have my Lamitcal upped every November. I also have SAD. It's the seasonal disorder. I heard that the light therapy works. As soon as I can scrap up the money I am getting one.

What med's are you on.

In the winter I do 1tblspoon of cod liver oil. They say 1 teaspoon, but my doc says to do the tbl spoon.

I also take vitamin D. I was told if you can get out in the sun for ten minutes it helps.

The winter is really really hard. I live in VT so we have 6 months of winter. I would talk to your Doc. If you are not on a mood stabilizer you should get on one.

Please keep in touch
Jeane

bio_tribe · 01-24-2008, 04:23 PM

You don’t have to pay a lot of money for a commercial light box. I’ve read that any type of bright light will work the same way when you sit in front of it for about 20 minutes in the morning.

seaturtle · 01-24-2008, 07:50 PM

Yup, I go through the same thing. I'm in VT, too, and many months are gray and dreary, little sunshine, and sometimes too cold to want to venture out.

Just keep your mind on the fact we're almost through w/January and make it through the day. Sometimes I just tell myself when I get up that it's only a matter of hours before I can go to sleep again. I know I'm depressed when I look forward to going back to sleep again.

Hang in there, you are not alone at all.