If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in our video today, please seek professional or medical help. There are some contact details in the description box (click where it says Show More). You can find more of our Living With Health Issues videos in this playlist ua-cam.com/play/PLa6906pLM92nKydWnpelZI2wm7aPskPv5.html
My symptoms: 1. Depressed mood 2. Negative thinking patterns 3. Ruminations over past events 4. Craving carbs 5. Disrupted sleep patterns 6. Agitation over low mood 7. Lowered concentration on some days 8. Lower motivation to accomplish things that need to be done Other things: 1. Counting down the days until first day of spring 2. Knowing the day when the clocks are set forward again for daylight saving time 3. Cursing all things winter 4. Knowing when winter starts which means that after that we gain seconds and minutes of daylight every day heading towards summer again 5. Knowing Phoenix, Arizona temperatures and sun days LOL
I’ve been living with it for more years than I can remember but my way of getting through it is, I count the days until 22/12 as the days are getting to their shortest and cheer myself up counting down to spring. During that time I am no good to man or beast as I’m the most miserable person in the world. I’m lethargic, solitary, have absolutely no interest in anything or anyone and I hurt all over. The feeling won’t lift until gradually after the new year my mood starts to lift and life begins again. No one understands until they get it. So you’re not alone, there are loads of us out there. So cheer up , says the kettle, it’ll soon be over. At least you’ve got company.
It's a pain in the proverbial, isn't it Catherine! I too do the counting down the weeks or days until it starts to get light again,. In the next video about SAD I will be talking about some of the small things that I do to help get me through it and the countdown is one of them. :-) Thankfully I have recognised fairly early on this year that I am heading downhill and can put extra measures in place to try to keep my head above water - I hope that this winter isn't too awful for you.
Liz Zorab - Byther Farm I’ve been thinking ncs nobody cares syndrome is what I call it. (sad) Anyway, just thought I’d let you know that I bought the lightbulbs that work off Alexa, smart bulbs. There is an adjustment to change the light colours or brightness and when I’m really down or when it’s raining I put the light on it’s brightest setting which is like a sunny day. It does lift your mood somewhat, try it. It’s not the answer but it helps.
Thank you, thank you thank you! Sharing your story, is huge for your journey, but is also vital to helping others. Wow Liz, you and Mr J have found your callings in life! I am so glad I stumbled upon your channel. I can't express how much it means to me. Also, I want to say that Mr J, you are amazing. The sincere love and support you have and express and share is so lovely. You two are very aware of eachother, and "there" for eachother. It comes accross on camera so easily. So very heartwarming. Again, thank you. I think I am going to invest in a light box, and a good long walk!
Thank you for watching (again). Please do share this video with anyone that you feel might find it helpful or interesting. Mr J is a star and yes we do rub along together pretty well. :-)
I'm a lifelong SAD sufferer though in those days of course there was no name for it! My parents told me they noticed a marked change in my mood and physical ability as the seasons changed. Daddy noticed my "eyes lost their sparkle and light" and mum would tell me I "lost interest and motivation for anything and became more dull and wooden" They both told me I was normally a bright, bouncy, alert, very active, interested in everything, little girl and that I had these marked difficulties from early childhood. I also suffer depression but in my case at least the two things do not always occur at the same time. My dear brother William gave me a lightbox for Christmas one year and it does help. Having William and other family members who notice warning signs or familiar patterns in deterioration of my health makes it easier for me to cope now than in the past. I always felt ashamed because I thought mental or emotional illness was a weakness or deficiency that I should be able to control. I've always struggled with the notion that I was inadequate, somehow less than a whole person . I don't like attention and if you were to meet me you would be hard pushed to notice I was suffering in any way physically or mentally. This is just one of my little crosses...other people have their own crosses...everybody struggles in life in some way.
Hi Liz, this is the first time I have made a comment on your channel, but I wanted to say that I appreciate how clear and eloquent you have been in describing your S.A.D. and the mutual support and care you show with your partner in surving the darker months of the year. I experience the same dip in mood on dark and gloomy days and how useful 'keeping on keeping on' is. 🤞the coming winter wont be too arduous.
Hello and thank you for commenting. I hope you've enjoyed some of my other videos too. My hope with this video is that viewers may share it and that people may feel able to start talking about their own SAD.
I have enjoyed your other videos, started on an allotment 18 months ago after leaving work due to ill health! I find your films informative for a learnist in growing....
Such great info - and it is physical too! I used to be a competitive ski racer so was outside all winter. When I stopped, I struggled through the winter. Goats have helped! And Liz, you do have sparkly eyes!
Thank you, please do share this wherever you think it might help others. And thank you for the complement - I'll twinkle my way into the kitchen to put the kettle on!
Lovely setting for your filming today . I wonder if the weather being so bleh this year has drained your battery earlier than usual? It's great that Mr J is also very supportive. xxx
Liz, this comment was written by a friend who deals with SAD deeply every year....I feel this is such an important video. It's helpful to hear someone go into depth about what SAD is like. Equally important, they demonstrate a fine example of what it's like living with mental health challenges and being with someone who loves you completely, pays close attention and helps each and every day be a better one. More people need those folks in their lives.
This is a really important and brave video to make. Thank you for sharing your experience and raising awareness. If it helps at all, know that we all love your videos and farm and appreciate what you do! Take care of yourself
Thank you! I feel it's important to be honest and upfront about stuff like this, as long as we all hide how we feel we will continue to feel alone in our struggle and yet millions of folks suffer from SAD. :-)
Liz thanks so much for sharing this. My partner has clinical depression and sometimes suffers setbacks during this time of year. Good info on the change of scenery will use it this winter. It's getting less and less with therapy but there are those times. Mr. J thanks for sharing your support and what you do. It is important to pay attention to the signs. You reaffirmed my strategies.
What a lovely video; I'm in the process of replacing all my light bulbs/tubes with natural daylight ones. I don't believe a light box on its own is enough, the whole place of residence has to be fitted out to compensate for the lack of light outside.
Thank you for sharing your story Liz. It was an important reminder that none of us are alone in feeling this way, and that self care should be a priority. ❤️
Depression and depression anxiety I know my cloak of doom is on my shoulders effects me all the time but more when it’s this time of year I just hide now
Thank you both for talking openly about this. Liz, sharing how you feel, what happens to you and what you do to help yourself really helps others and Mr J, I really appreciated hearing what you see happening and the support you show Liz is wonderful. ‘It does feel like nagging’, that’s gold. Best wishes to you both - Fiona
Hi Fiona, we both feel that it's really important to be upfront and honest about how my health issues impact on our lives. We could pretend that life is all rosy and wonderful, but it wouldn't serve any purpose other than to add more stress and we are in a great position to be able to share some info with others :-)
I have fitted 6,500k Full Spectrom light bulbs throughout the house. Took down the net curtains to let more light into the house. Cleaned the window - this made a huge difference. I sit in the greenhouse on sunny days - a conservatory would have to be fitted on the dark side of the house - so cannot have one. This works for me. :)
So sorry that you suffer with this Liz. I absolutely know how depression makes you feel as have had bipolar and cptsd for decades and it's very debilitating. I'm also a grandma, live on a farm and enjoy growing vegetables. I haven't been able to do much for some years but am back into it and loving tending the soil and watching nature grow. It's very rewarding. I hope that you have a good year in your new home, as a new subscriber I'm catching up on videos and looking forward very much to seeing how your new garden evolves. Sending love and hugs x
I appreciate how authentic you are Liz, not just with the good stuff. It sounds like you both have a good strategy in place. I once read a theorythat SAD might even be a remnant from the past, a part of our more ancient genetic DNA, to get through the hard winters when food was scarce & conserve energy. Esp women of childbearing age, that sedentary period allowing a restful healthy pregnancy and the increase in successful bonding with a partner, who hunts and chops the logs. Who knows?🤷🏽♀️
Great video Liz! I don't think anyone thinks "poor Liz" but you do have a great bunch of supporters here who care, and Mr. J is fantastic! You two are amazing together! Thank you for again opening up about this and teaching people not only about gardening, and livestock, but about taking care of yourself as well! Take care you two!
Thanks for you kind words Alex. I know that I've talked about this before, but I still think it's important to share it with new viewers and to try to articulate better each time. Mr J is a fabulous support :-)
Hi Liz, Thanks for making this video! I’m a fellow SAD sufferer and I agree about the importance of talking about it - the people in our lives need to know it’s not them causing the change in our behavior. Mr. J is so sweet! You are a lucky woman. Over the years I’ve found a couple of things that help a little with SAD, taking Vitamin D3 and changing lightbulbs in my house to 3000k LEDs. The light is a little less yellow and a little more like daylight. I also keep more lights on for more of the day. Neither of these things is a cure for SAD, but they do help me a bit. Also, I sing part of a Van Morrison song where he repeats over and over, “gotta get through January, gotta get through February” then it goes “spring in my heart, fire in my belly too”. I celebrate on the first of March and really do feel like I have spring in my heart. Again, thanks for talking about this important subject!
DEar Liz, please dont worry that people will think you are seeking attention....it is very clear that you are sharing this from an educational point of view so that people can perhaps recognise similar effects in themselves or even in their loved ones. You are just wonderful. My daughter suffers from depression all year round despite being on anti-depressants and she has a tendency to hide herself away in darkened rooms and do nothing when she is not at work and we do see a bleakness in her visage, and dullness in the eyes along with behaviour/attitude so i find listening to you and Mr J talking about what he sees as opposed to what you feel is extremely helpful to me as a mother. xxxxx
I've had SAD all my life. For me it's a classic case of SAD that starts in Autumn and leads to clinical depression by December. I haven't experienced that since 2002. I coped by consulting with my doctor, having counselling, taking vitamin D supplements, taking SSRIs, going on holiday to sunny places in winter, having a balanced diet and exercise. This has all been working, up til now that we are in lockdown. I am feeling some of the winter effects of SAD during this time. For me, going for excercise has become more important for my mental health. Keep smiling 😀
Thanks for video Liz i to suffer chronic sad , I also feel tremendous Guilt that my wife has to put up with me every year , she is a rock to me , but it doesn't stop me feeling guilt, we are blessed to have such understanding partners Here's to the sunny days we are getting at the moment ' The slightly lighter evenings and the birds singing more as spring is around the corner , Take care and thanks again for the video .
Great video Liz & Mr J. You've given me a much greater understanding of this disorder. Not that I'm giving you any sympathy but I am sorry you have to battle with this every year Liz. I also want to leave a special message for Mr J. My wife battles with severe PTSD after nasty trauma twenty years ago. I know more than most what it's like to be the strong one, that looks after and shelters the one I love from the outside world. It takes it's toll on the carers so make sure you look after yourself. It's easy to put others ahead of yourself but sometimes you need to come first and don't feel guilty when that happens. Your no good to Liz if you fall apart. Best of luck to you both and thanks again for sharing.
You are absolutely right, carers definitely need to make sure they don't get burnt out! During summer and early autumn I do masses of batch cooking so that we have loads of ready-made good meals in the freezer, so we both ate healthily and well during the times that I'm not feeling up to standing in the kitchen being creative. We share (mostly) the same sense of humour which is a must for us during the more difficult months :-)
Try high doses of VitD3 ( I take 20000 ie dayliy) and orange blossom tea( put into cold water over night ad boil for a moment in the morning), that helped me.
Liz, thank you so much for posting this. My husband and my sister both suffer alongside of you in this department. My sister (& business partner) has acknowledged it, but my husband refuses to admit the change he takes on in the winter. I am trying my best to be supportive, but sometimes it’s really difficult when I am getting it at work during the day... and then coming home to it at night. He seems to be too proud to want to accept help or admit there is an issue. We live in a very rainy area which doesn’t help matters any. If you have any suggestions as to how I can help him... without upsetting him, or pushing the issue too far...please let me know. I genuinely do not want to make this sound like it’s all about my inconvenience… I really do want to be supportive and helpful, especially when it affects our kids as well. Thankfully, my sister is taking steps to help alleviate her symptoms. It’s easier to want to help someone who wants to help themselves. I can’t force my husband to accept his issues, but I am willing to try almost anything to help alleviate his symptoms ASAP. Again, I’m sorry you have to deal with this… But thankful you seem to be at a place of acceptance and that you have such a willing and helpful loved one who supports you. Thanks so much again for sharing💕
I remember you speaking of this last year, and I totally understood it. I am definitely that way , and my husband recognizes it in me. He is such a encouragement to me. I don't watch TV , so I try to do so painting ... Definitely need bright light for that .❤️
I feel like I am a hermit. But when there's a bit of sun. I am up. Vit "D" I take. I also feel a little bit better when I go back and see some of your vids.
I've never been diagnosed with SAD but have for many years felt lowness of mood and motivation anytime from October through to end of February on grey days but as soon as there's any break in the cloud I feel so much different.I am definitely affected negatively by low natural light..I don't have light shades in my house for that reason.I agree getting outside is a good way to ease the symptoms if only for a short time.I always thought everyone felt like this in the winter months but it seems not so.
I love this video. You do a fantastic job explaining this. My depression is always worse in the winter. I have been in a funk for a month or so. I have been trying to go outside and do stuff.
Having had a week away, watching this made me realise I’d lost the rhythm of putting my light box out each night ready for the morning. Watching this at 6.30 a.m. and paused the video to go get it. 😊
Thank you for putting this subject up for discussion... there are alot of people that go through this alone as fall approaches & winter is on it's way. I'm definitely one of them. I hate to be stuck in the house. My body can't handle the cold weather. I live in Indiana , I have fibromyalgia , degenerative disc disease in my back, rheumatoid arthritis, & severe carpal tunnel ( which I'm getting ready to have surgery for during the down season of winter). This is a great subject to have a open a good discussion on.Thank you.
Dar Liz - just picked up on this vid. Brave girl. I know more than a little about depression although folks always (perhaps not always) don't pick up on it. I'm so glad that you've got someone like Mr J. Not everyone understands the effects of these almost indefinable conditions. I honestly understand oppressive 'greyness'. My occupation involved constant interface with people who looked to me and that didn't make it any easier. The energy needed to over-ride these sort of conditions can be exhausting. I don't know you closely but to me you are one brilliant gal. Whatever your condition at any one time - know that you are loved by those close and in, in different ways, by a lot of admirers and followers. I notice when you look a bit 'tired' (don't be offended at that) but the way you combat that is actually quite inspiring. Every good wish and blessing to you and the inimitable Mr J. - Paul
Lovely lady thank-you for talking honestly about living with depression and SAD. I know only too well how it impacts on daily life and also what helps. Thank you, gonna get out in my patch on this sunny November morning before going down to see the sea. Best wishes Jenefer
You have it, you accept it, you may not like it but you accept it and that's half the battle and you do something about it and if you don't, you have Mr J to push you. Well done on speaking so openly about your reality. Btw I totally feel in love with ye as a couple, even your walking was synced. Mr J is such a keeper, to know you so well to see the difference in you before you realise it yourself.
Thank you for sharing how SAD affects you. It was very informative and very interesting to hear how Mr. J experiences it. He’s a great partner. Take care. X
Just catching up with this one now. Thank you! I'm someone who doesn't find a light box helpful but I do have a list of other things that are. I find gardening, even for ten minutes, helps lift my mood. A walk will help stabilise my mood. And having plants that look good in winter in my garden helps. So right now in January there are midwinter fire dogwood stems and colourful heuchera and winter jasmine out and snowdrops about to open.
Making a list of helpful activities has helped me also....favorite music, working with my hands, warm baths, a good haircut, etc, etc. Love your channel. Thanks for the wise words.🙂🙃🙂
Thank you liz and Mr J. This video is so informative, full of hope and help and tips for the sufferers, also for how partners and friends of people with S.A.D. can see the signs earlier and help to understand what the perosn with S.A.D is going through . This video has better care and understanding than I've seen in most videos. It's so nice to see your unity as a couple. Thank you for sharing this with us. You're both inspirational. . 💟
Thank you for this film, i know how you feel and how you have to push you self, i find i get up 1 hr early and put my light box on and again for 1 hr in the evening and eating very coulerful food and just knowing it will pass helps a lot thank you
You are among friends here Marion, have a look at how many comments are saying that they suffer in the winter too. I hope that this winter is kind to you.
Thank you for bringing this to the attention of an audience that may otherwise not be aware of it, SAD can happen in the most unexpected of places & to people who don't think it could happen to them. In my 20s, an occasional depressive, I discovered SAD while in England, a friend with SAD explained the Northern Hemisphere's shorter days made it more common there & that her lamp from the NHS gave her a specific UV light range that was missing. Back in Australia in my 30s, I was diagnosed as having Major Depressive Disorder which, according to doctors, made my questions about SAD moot but it wasn't until my 40s & 10yrs into a Lupus diagnosis that they thought to check my Vitamin D (the vitamin you get from sunlight & which starts the whole mood uplifting process). I had almost ZERO Vitamin D in my blood. I live in one of the sunniest places in the world, the driest city in the driest state of Australia & it can even happen here. I strongly recommend that anyone who suspects they have symptoms, or just feels 'not right' - take some time to see a doctor. It might be treatable & you might just feel better.
Well said Joanne! I hope that the vitamin D has helped to lift your mood. It's been a tough winter here, not especially cold but it's been very rainy and cloudy giving us so many days without sun showing through the clouds and I'm less inclined to spend time outside on the windy and rainy days. BUT we are out the other side of the winter solstice and the daylight hours are getting noticeably longer (hooray) and I can feel the weight of winter starting to lift. As you are in Australia, I guess the opposite must be happening there, so I hope it's a gentle winter ahead for you.
I agree it is hard to stay motivated to care for yourself. I also keep telling myself only a few weeks until the days start to get longer again. Thank you for your honesty and the light box link.
I have trouble with the heat of our desert summers and the long summer hours affects my sleep.. when the weather finally cools into the fall and winter along with the time change I feel better. I also get energized when it clouds up and rains which isn't often here in the desert. I've always had trouble with the heat.. I will get sick from heat exhaustion if I over exert which limits alot of what I can do in the garden except early morning and late evening.
I do suffer myself during the dark months but my father-in-law suffers badly and now he can't fly for hols im not sure what im going to do with him to be honest.
Feel for ya Liz. I never been to drs. But i deffo suffer alot wiv it.. keeping active, be kind to yourself & make the most of any sun! You just feel fed up with everything x
Its very very difficult. I self employed & roll with it. Good days i talk to alot of customers. Bad days are when no ones in!! Talking & trying to get out best. Plus eat healthy 😉😁 keep up your most excellent channel x
Hi Joyce, there is a short series planned on this subject. I have to space them out a little or the navel contemplation takes over! Please share the video with anyone that you think may find it interesting or helpful.
Thanks Lisa, I think talking about our health is vital, hiding it can make it worse and anyway regular viewers of this channel can clearly see how it affects me during the winter. Thank you for watching :-)
I haven't yet read all the comments below but I live in Aurora, Oregon USA and I've always battled with those Winter blues. I make sure I get outside as much as possible and I find that if I take 10,000 mg of high quality vitamin D and 5hpt then I can usually get through that season with a smile on my face and a skip in my step but the trick is to start taking them in early Fall before the blues have time to set in. Thanks so much for sharing.
Can you have it the other way around? As in not into summer when it's hot and as a heavy lad I find it awkward and as the heat makes me sweat a lot it's very uncomfortable for me. As the sun goes low in the sky I feel relief. I worked nights for years as I felt better and in cold stores, as I've worked in abattoirs and kitchens for years in a colder place with short stints of hot is okay. This last year i got out early and enjoyed cycling and camping in the hills and on the moors I feel better. is it my Scott's blood? I love winter especially the snow. Take care you two.
Firstly Liz and Mr J, thanks for true honesty, from the outside people look fine , but one never knows, and as a human race we need to be more mindful of eachother. Secondly i cant believe ye are only together for 8 years, ye are like a long lived couple, great old buddies. Great respect for this video share.
Liz this was an excellent, eloquent example of how SAD can affect you. I think the physical symptoms are often overlooked and it is seen as more of a 'mental' issue - but of course as we know these things are not mutually exclusive and it must be very debilitating. But what a star you have in Mr J! Your own personal 'nagger'! Take care lovely people x
So beautifully said Liz and informative. As one who has never suffered from this info such as yours can only make us better equipped friends to understand what someone may be experiencing.
Never heard of that illness before but I never heard of Fibromyalgia before until I was diagnosed in 2016 some of us are hit with these unusual illnesses and must adjust our life around it. It's not easy especially when friend's and family don't understand but your doing a great job Liz keep going
Hi Chrissie, yes it's bright and sunny today, although pretty nippy! Mr J has been cutting firewood and I'll be out doing some this afternoon. I think it's bacon and eggs and cups of tea first though!
I don't think I suffer from SAD strictly speaking, but do sometimes feel low about now, with dark mornings making it hard to get going. I think it's important to get up bright and early to make use of the daylight, but hard to do if you are feeling low. I have sometimes decided to stop using the computer at 9pm, so that I can get better sleep, and then be more energetic in the morning. I'm not very good at keeping this up though. Looking at screens in the evening can be particularly bad because of the blue light, which tends to upset the circadian rhythm. There is an effect with LED backlights that there is actually a bump in the spectral energy distribution in the blue, because the actual LEDs are usually blue LEDs covered with a phosphor to convert it to white light, but some of the original blue light gets through.
I stop using the computer and phone about an hour or so before bed whenever I can, I think it's a good idea to give our brains time to relax before sleep :-)
Great video you two, you made me cry in the fact that you are so good for each other. . One bolsters the other when they are down, how lovely. I think I've mentioned this before, that is the reason I live in Australia. My father suffered from SAD in the UK but they didn't know that's what it was back then but he decided to move to Australia to somewhere that had light and sunshine and has never suffered since.
I was reading on the Australian SAD support site that it's a rare thing in Australia. I think I've commented before that the quality of the light was one to the things that I remember most about my visit to the Blue Mountains, Sydney and Tasmania. Sorry to have made you cry, but glad that it was over a good thing :-)
@@LizZorab I also have SAD and I would love to move to the almost year round warmth and sun of Australia from Canada, which, of course, has similar weather to yours in the U.K. But circumstances prevent my wife and I from doing so. It is a great help that we have such supportive partners to help us get through this time of year. I look forward too watching more of your videos. Thank you!
Dear Liz, have to tell you thet my husband is sleaping in another room for two years now. Why? Because I can sleap in the dark. So my TV is on mute, but if I want to sleap I need some light. You know I have to work around 300 hours per month during 6 or 7 months of turist season and I have enough 5 to 6 hours sleap but not in darkness. So must be something with my clastrofobie. Now in October I had some days off, went to bed at 9pm , awake at 2am, switched TV off, tryed to sleap but no way hahaaaa...so till 6am I did al the londery, dishes, flowers, coffee....so I understand my husband. He is a big sleaper, 10 hours he needs every day hahahaaaaa...what a weis of life. But I have to say at thet time of season, even if I have 3 days off, I have no wish to do anything around the house even if the weather is fine. I just wish a meter of snow very quick and live my garden till next spring. I think 30 years hard working at home and work came after me last two years. We have to much food from the garden and I have lots of flowers to share every spring with my neighbours. Believe me, they are not gardening and flowering anymore because they know Vesna has enought to share. Most of the people in this vilage is ower 80, but I think its time to care for myselve. Liz, sometimes I am so tired I want to stay in bed for 24 hours but belive me after 10 hours every bone in my body hurts. As my mom says...if I ley down for a day I never I will never stay up from the bed again hahahaaaaa....and she is 80. Sendig love and kisses to you and Mr. J. from Slovenia!!!!!
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the information. I've known people like you've just described and this gives me a better idea of their issues. Becky from Kansas City
I have not heard it mentioned much but I am the opposite. I get this way when summer is coming. It gets very hot where I live (tomorrow is going to be 45 degrees C) and I do not cope at all well with heat. I feel my mood lift when the rains start again.
@LizZorab hello, i have moved to Pakistan, I m 40 years of age and single. Here I get warm and sunny climate . Plus it's super cheap here as compared to the UK, those factors helped me. But yes living In Pakistan has it's downside as well. Thank you for your content, please keep posting, it helps.
Thank you for explaining this. I hope it helps others. Mental disorders are so effie. I mean one person could respond in one way and another person totally different. Our daughter had severe mental disorders (bipolar, manic depressive, anxiety and the list goes on) I have tried since her death to accept her choices, but as when she was alive, I find it very difficult. I am by nature a fighter. (Just ask the spouse.) So I had a hard time comprehending what she was going through. I get the winter blues - however, it's not like SAD it's more just a tired feeling brought on by the grey, wet winter days. I do hope your explanation helps others, the human brain is very odd. If you don't believe me, just ask your dog or cat. They know...
Hi, yes Monty would tell us how odd we are :-) I'm not sure that we can every really understand what someone else is going through in their heads - it would be a bit scary if we could! I am a fighter too I guess, I don't like it when my mood drags me down. I've got much better at recognising that it is what it is and if I wait without caving in to it, the mood will lift and I'll feel better again in time. Thankfully at the moment it's not too bad, it's still early days in the gloomy season and there are lots of interesting things planned to give me some focus outside of what I'm feeling :-)
I take a high dose Vitamin D all year round now. It used to be dreadful but it's manageable now. I used to recommend Vitamin D for all my patients with SAD as we just don't get enough sun in this part of the world.
I am trying to find a bit vitamin D tablet that I can take as I have an allergy to maize which is in lots you are lucky to find a supportive partner who understands take care both of you
I eat plenty of fish, I have sardines on toast a few times a week for breakfast and I'm lucky enough to have access to milk and butter from grass fed cattle, all my bloodwork came back good, which is apparently rare. We don't get much sun but I do try to spend a couple of hours outside every day,
Don’t underestimate the power of the sun, of magnesium, vitamin b, and vitamin d! But yes also seek professional medical help if needed. Or even if you don’t think it’s needed, because often you need it more than you think.
I just got a light box o see if it helps this year. I felt it coming on a few weeks ago, energy levels dropped and motivation vanished. I have depression anyway but it gets far worse in the winter . I get outside as much as possible as that seems to help me
i never knew such a thing existed. i wonder how many people are affected by it and don't even realise it? my own personal cure for any form of blues is my sense of humour. it also helps when i'm in pain.................brian
Hi Brian, I suspect huge swathes of us are affected by it. NHS advice is to take (or increase) vitamin D during the autumn and winter months because we don't get enough sunlight to make it naturally in our bodies and SAD is most usually light-based. I'm not sure if there is any link between vitamin D levels and SAD, but I certainly increase my vitamin D dose each winter :-) Humour is a fantastic antidote to so many things, I'm glad it helps you with low moods and with your pain.
@@LizZorab you now have me wondering if thats why the doctor put me on a course of vitamin d tablets last year. you are never always told the full facts.........................brian
Hi Maggie, we get taught at an early age not to show how we are really feeling. The joy of being able to make videos is that I can make a statement without feeling too vulnerable. Thank you for your kind words.
If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in our video today, please seek professional or medical help. There are some contact details in the description box (click where it says Show More). You can find more of our Living With Health Issues videos in this playlist ua-cam.com/play/PLa6906pLM92nKydWnpelZI2wm7aPskPv5.html
My symptoms:
1. Depressed mood
2. Negative thinking patterns
3. Ruminations over past events
4. Craving carbs
5. Disrupted sleep patterns
6. Agitation over low mood
7. Lowered concentration on some days
8. Lower motivation to accomplish things that need to be done
Other things:
1. Counting down the days until first day of spring
2. Knowing the day when the clocks are set forward again for daylight saving time
3. Cursing all things winter
4. Knowing when winter starts which means that after that we gain seconds and minutes of daylight every day heading towards summer again
5. Knowing Phoenix, Arizona temperatures and sun days LOL
All of the above (except change out the location!)
Why are you the only UK based people to talk about this?! Thank you! I'm really suffering and I wish there was more regional content 😞
I’ve been living with it for more years than I can remember but my way of getting through it is, I count the days until 22/12 as the days are getting to their shortest and cheer myself up counting down to spring. During that time I am no good to man or beast as I’m the most miserable person in the world. I’m lethargic, solitary, have absolutely no interest in anything or anyone and I hurt all over. The feeling won’t lift until gradually after the new year my mood starts to lift and life begins again. No one understands until they get it. So you’re not alone, there are loads of us out there. So cheer up , says the kettle, it’ll soon be over. At least you’ve got company.
It's a pain in the proverbial, isn't it Catherine! I too do the counting down the weeks or days until it starts to get light again,. In the next video about SAD I will be talking about some of the small things that I do to help get me through it and the countdown is one of them. :-) Thankfully I have recognised fairly early on this year that I am heading downhill and can put extra measures in place to try to keep my head above water - I hope that this winter isn't too awful for you.
Liz Zorab - Byther Farm I’ve been thinking ncs nobody cares syndrome is what I call it. (sad)
Anyway, just thought I’d let you know that I bought the lightbulbs that work off Alexa, smart bulbs. There is an adjustment to change the light colours or brightness and when I’m really down or when it’s raining I put the light on it’s brightest setting which is like a sunny day. It does lift your mood somewhat, try it. It’s not the answer but it helps.
Thank you, thank you thank you! Sharing your story, is huge for your journey, but is also vital to helping others. Wow Liz, you and Mr J have found your callings in life! I am so glad I stumbled upon your channel. I can't express how much it means to me. Also, I want to say that Mr J, you are amazing. The sincere love and support you have and express and share is so lovely. You two are very aware of eachother, and "there" for eachother. It comes accross on camera so easily. So very heartwarming. Again, thank you. I think I am going to invest in a light box, and a good long walk!
Thank you for watching (again). Please do share this video with anyone that you feel might find it helpful or interesting. Mr J is a star and yes we do rub along together pretty well. :-)
I'm a lifelong SAD sufferer though in those days of course there was no name for it! My parents told me they noticed a marked change in my mood and physical ability as the seasons changed. Daddy noticed my "eyes lost their sparkle and light" and mum would tell me I "lost interest and motivation for anything and became more dull and wooden" They both told me I was normally a bright, bouncy, alert, very active, interested in everything, little girl and that I had these marked difficulties from early childhood. I also suffer depression but in my case at least the two things do not always occur at the same time. My dear brother William gave me a lightbox for Christmas one year and it does help. Having William and other family members who notice warning signs or familiar patterns in deterioration of my health makes it easier for me to cope now than in the past.
I always felt ashamed because I thought mental or emotional illness was a weakness or deficiency that I should be able to control. I've always struggled with the notion that I was inadequate, somehow less than a whole person . I don't like attention and if you were to meet me you would be hard pushed to notice I was suffering in any way physically or mentally. This is just one of my little crosses...other people have their own crosses...everybody struggles in life in some way.
Hi Liz, this is the first time I have made a comment on your channel, but I wanted to say that I appreciate how clear and eloquent you have been in describing your S.A.D. and the mutual support and care you show with your partner in surving the darker months of the year. I experience the same dip in mood on dark and gloomy days and how useful 'keeping on keeping on' is. 🤞the coming winter wont be too arduous.
Hello and thank you for commenting. I hope you've enjoyed some of my other videos too. My hope with this video is that viewers may share it and that people may feel able to start talking about their own SAD.
I have enjoyed your other videos, started on an allotment 18 months ago after leaving work due to ill health! I find your films informative for a learnist in growing....
SAD can be a real challenge for some. Keep looking for the light hun. You have great support
Such great info - and it is physical too! I used to be a competitive ski racer so was outside all winter. When I stopped, I struggled through the winter. Goats have helped! And Liz, you do have sparkly eyes!
Thank you, please do share this wherever you think it might help others. And thank you for the complement - I'll twinkle my way into the kitchen to put the kettle on!
Lovely setting for your filming today . I wonder if the weather being so bleh this year has drained your battery earlier than usual? It's great that Mr J is also very supportive. xxx
Liz, this comment was written by a friend who deals with SAD deeply every year....I feel this is such an important video. It's helpful to hear someone go into depth about what SAD is like. Equally important, they demonstrate a fine example of what it's like living with mental health challenges and being with someone who loves you completely, pays close attention and helps each and every day be a better one. More people need those folks in their lives.
This is a really important and brave video to make. Thank you for sharing your experience and raising awareness. If it helps at all, know that we all love your videos and farm and appreciate what you do! Take care of yourself
Thank you! I feel it's important to be honest and upfront about stuff like this, as long as we all hide how we feel we will continue to feel alone in our struggle and yet millions of folks suffer from SAD. :-)
Liz thanks so much for sharing this. My partner has clinical depression and sometimes suffers setbacks during this time of year. Good info on the change of scenery will use it this winter. It's getting less and less with therapy but there are those times. Mr. J thanks for sharing your support and what you do. It is important to pay attention to the signs. You reaffirmed my strategies.
What a lovely video; I'm in the process of replacing all my light bulbs/tubes with natural daylight ones. I don't believe a light box on its own is enough, the whole place of residence has to be fitted out to compensate for the lack of light outside.
Thanks for that guys, I completely know where your coming from, take care. The sunshine makes everyone get back to normal upbeat, take care xo
Thank you for sharing your story Liz. It was an important reminder that none of us are alone in feeling this way, and that self care should be a priority. ❤️
Depression and depression anxiety I know my cloak of doom is on my shoulders effects me all the time but more when it’s this time of year I just hide now
Thank you both for talking openly about this. Liz, sharing how you feel, what happens to you and what you do to help yourself really helps others and Mr J, I really appreciated hearing what you see happening and the support you show Liz is wonderful. ‘It does feel like nagging’, that’s gold. Best wishes to you both - Fiona
Hi Fiona, we both feel that it's really important to be upfront and honest about how my health issues impact on our lives. We could pretend that life is all rosy and wonderful, but it wouldn't serve any purpose other than to add more stress and we are in a great position to be able to share some info with others :-)
I have fitted 6,500k Full Spectrom light bulbs throughout the house. Took down the net curtains to let more light into the house. Cleaned the window - this made a huge difference. I sit in the greenhouse on sunny days - a conservatory would have to be fitted on the dark side of the house - so cannot have one. This works for me. :)
So sorry that you suffer with this Liz. I absolutely know how depression makes you feel as have had bipolar and cptsd for decades and it's very debilitating. I'm also a grandma, live on a farm and enjoy growing vegetables. I haven't been able to do much for some years but am back into it and loving tending the soil and watching nature grow. It's very rewarding. I hope that you have a good year in your new home, as a new subscriber I'm catching up on videos and looking forward very much to seeing how your new garden evolves. Sending love and hugs x
Thank you!
I appreciate how authentic you are Liz, not just with the good stuff. It sounds like you both have a good strategy in place. I once read a theorythat SAD might even be a remnant from the past, a part of our more ancient genetic DNA, to get through the hard winters when food was scarce & conserve energy. Esp women of childbearing age, that sedentary period allowing a restful healthy pregnancy and the increase in successful bonding with a partner, who hunts and chops the logs. Who knows?🤷🏽♀️
Great video Liz! I don't think anyone thinks "poor Liz" but you do have a great bunch of supporters here who care, and Mr. J is fantastic! You two are amazing together!
Thank you for again opening up about this and teaching people not only about gardening, and livestock, but about taking care of yourself as well!
Take care you two!
Thanks for you kind words Alex. I know that I've talked about this before, but I still think it's important to share it with new viewers and to try to articulate better each time. Mr J is a fabulous support :-)
@@LizZorab It is very important! I'm so glad that you shared this with everyone..
Yes, you are Mr. J are quite the card!
Take care!!
Hi Liz, Thanks for making this video! I’m a fellow SAD sufferer and I agree about the importance of talking about it - the people in our lives need to know it’s not them causing the change in our behavior. Mr. J is so sweet! You are a lucky woman. Over the years I’ve found a couple of things that help a little with SAD, taking Vitamin D3 and changing lightbulbs in my house to 3000k LEDs. The light is a little less yellow and a little more like daylight. I also keep more lights on for more of the day. Neither of these things is a cure for SAD, but they do help me a bit. Also, I sing part of a Van Morrison song where he repeats over and over, “gotta get through January, gotta get through February” then it goes “spring in my heart, fire in my belly too”. I celebrate on the first of March and really do feel like I have spring in my heart. Again, thanks for talking about this important subject!
DEar Liz, please dont worry that people will think you are seeking attention....it is very clear that you are sharing this from an educational point of view so that people can perhaps recognise similar effects in themselves or even in their loved ones. You are just wonderful. My daughter suffers from depression all year round despite being on anti-depressants and she has a tendency to hide herself away in darkened rooms and do nothing when she is not at work and we do see a bleakness in her visage, and dullness in the eyes along with behaviour/attitude so i find listening to you and Mr J talking about what he sees as opposed to what you feel is extremely helpful to me as a mother. xxxxx
I've had SAD all my life. For me it's a classic case of SAD that starts in Autumn and leads to clinical depression by December. I haven't experienced that since 2002. I coped by consulting with my doctor, having counselling, taking vitamin D supplements, taking SSRIs, going on holiday to sunny places in winter, having a balanced diet and exercise. This has all been working, up til now that we are in lockdown. I am feeling some of the winter effects of SAD during this time. For me, going for excercise has become more important for my mental health. Keep smiling 😀
Thanks for video Liz i to suffer chronic sad , I also feel tremendous Guilt that my wife has to put up with me every year , she is a rock to me , but it doesn't stop me feeling guilt, we are blessed to have such understanding partners Here's to the sunny days we are getting at the moment ' The slightly lighter evenings and the birds singing more as spring is around the corner , Take care and thanks again for the video .
Great video Liz & Mr J. You've given me a much greater understanding of this disorder. Not that I'm giving you any sympathy but I am sorry you have to battle with this every year Liz. I also want to leave a special message for Mr J. My wife battles with severe PTSD after nasty trauma twenty years ago. I know more than most what it's like to be the strong one, that looks after and shelters the one I love from the outside world. It takes it's toll on the carers so make sure you look after yourself. It's easy to put others ahead of yourself but sometimes you need to come first and don't feel guilty when that happens. Your no good to Liz if you fall apart. Best of luck to you both and thanks again for sharing.
You are absolutely right, carers definitely need to make sure they don't get burnt out! During summer and early autumn I do masses of batch cooking so that we have loads of ready-made good meals in the freezer, so we both ate healthily and well during the times that I'm not feeling up to standing in the kitchen being creative. We share (mostly) the same sense of humour which is a must for us during the more difficult months :-)
Try high doses of VitD3 ( I take 20000 ie dayliy) and orange blossom tea( put into cold water over night ad boil for a moment in the morning), that helped me.
Vitamin D is a part of my year round vitamin and mineral supplement program and yes I increase the dosage during the winter. :-)
Liz, thank you so much for posting this. My husband and my sister both suffer alongside of you in this department. My sister (& business partner) has acknowledged it, but my husband refuses to admit the change he takes on in the winter. I am trying my best to be supportive, but sometimes it’s really difficult when I am getting it at work during the day... and then coming home to it at night. He seems to be too proud to want to accept help or admit there is an issue. We live in a very rainy area which doesn’t help matters any. If you have any suggestions as to how I can help him... without upsetting him, or pushing the issue too far...please let me know. I genuinely do not want to make this sound like it’s all about my inconvenience… I really do want to be supportive and helpful, especially when it affects our kids as well. Thankfully, my sister is taking steps to help alleviate her symptoms. It’s easier to want to help someone who wants to help themselves. I can’t force my husband to accept his issues, but I am willing to try almost anything to help alleviate his symptoms ASAP. Again, I’m sorry you have to deal with this… But thankful you seem to be at a place of acceptance and that you have such a willing and helpful loved one who supports you. Thanks so much again for sharing💕
I wonder if replacing a light bulb beside/above a favourite chair to a full-spectrum or the type in lightboxes would help?
I remember you speaking of this last year, and I totally understood it. I am definitely that way , and my husband recognizes it in me. He is such a encouragement to me. I don't watch TV , so I try to do so painting ... Definitely need bright light for that .❤️
I feel like I am a hermit. But when there's a bit of sun. I am up. Vit "D" I take. I also feel a little bit better when I go back and see some of your vids.
I've never been diagnosed with SAD but have for many years felt lowness of mood and motivation anytime from October through to end of February on grey days but as soon as there's any break in the cloud I feel so much different.I am definitely affected negatively by low natural light..I don't have light shades in my house for that reason.I agree getting outside is a good way to ease the symptoms if only for a short time.I always thought everyone felt like this in the winter months but it seems not so.
Thank you so much Liz & Mr. J. Its good to understand that others are suffering similar feelings & that we're not alone.
I love this video. You do a fantastic job explaining this. My depression is always worse in the winter. I have been in a funk for a month or so. I have been trying to go outside and do stuff.
Having had a week away, watching this made me realise I’d lost the rhythm of putting my light box out each night ready for the morning. Watching this at 6.30 a.m. and paused the video to go get it. 😊
Thank you for putting this subject up for discussion... there are alot of people that go through this alone as fall approaches & winter is on it's way. I'm definitely one of them. I hate to be stuck in the house. My body can't handle the cold weather. I live in Indiana , I have fibromyalgia , degenerative disc disease in my back, rheumatoid arthritis, & severe carpal tunnel ( which I'm getting ready to have surgery for during the down season of winter). This is a great subject to have a open a good discussion on.Thank you.
Dar Liz - just picked up on this vid. Brave girl. I know more than a little about depression although folks always (perhaps not always) don't pick up on it. I'm so glad that you've got someone like Mr J. Not everyone understands the effects of these almost indefinable conditions. I honestly understand oppressive 'greyness'. My occupation involved constant interface with people who looked to me and that didn't make it any easier. The energy needed to over-ride these sort of conditions can be exhausting. I don't know you closely but to me you are one brilliant gal. Whatever your condition at any one time - know that you are loved by those close and in, in different ways, by a lot of admirers and followers. I notice when you look a bit 'tired' (don't be offended at that) but the way you combat that is actually quite inspiring.
Every good wish and blessing to you and the inimitable Mr J. - Paul
My husband painted our house with bright colours to help him. I just feel like hibernating
Thanks for sharing. You and your Mr J are a great team.
Lovely lady thank-you for talking honestly about living with depression and SAD. I know only too well how it impacts on daily life and also what helps. Thank you, gonna get out in my patch on this sunny November morning before going down to see the sea. Best wishes Jenefer
BRAVO LIZ!
Thank you Dolly x
You have it, you accept it, you may not like it but you accept it and that's half the battle and you do something about it and if you don't, you have Mr J to push you. Well done on speaking so openly about your reality. Btw I totally feel in love with ye as a couple, even your walking was synced. Mr J is such a keeper, to know you so well to see the difference in you before you realise it yourself.
I wasn't aware it's what I had until my therapist of seven years noticed my mood changes , not only as autumn starts but Spring too.
I've noticed that the times of the clock changes are unsettling for so many people. I'll be doing a live chat again on Sunday, I hope you can join me.
Thank you for sharing how SAD affects you. It was very informative and very interesting to hear how Mr. J experiences it. He’s a great partner. Take care. X
Hey Saronne, he is a great partner :-)
Just catching up with this one now. Thank you! I'm someone who doesn't find a light box helpful but I do have a list of other things that are. I find gardening, even for ten minutes, helps lift my mood. A walk will help stabilise my mood. And having plants that look good in winter in my garden helps. So right now in January there are midwinter fire dogwood stems and colourful heuchera and winter jasmine out and snowdrops about to open.
Making a list of helpful activities has helped me also....favorite music, working with my hands, warm baths, a good haircut, etc, etc. Love your channel. Thanks for the wise words.🙂🙃🙂
It's great you know the triggers and have identified methods to help in the midst of it.
Thank you liz and Mr J.
This video is so informative, full of hope and help and tips for the sufferers, also for how partners and friends of people with S.A.D. can see the signs earlier and help to understand what the perosn with S.A.D is going through . This video has better care and understanding than I've seen in most videos.
It's so nice to see your unity as a couple. Thank you for sharing this with us. You're both inspirational. . 💟
Thank you for this film, i know how you feel and how you have to push you self, i find i get up 1 hr early and put my light box on and again for 1 hr in the evening and eating very coulerful food and just knowing it will pass helps a lot thank you
Thank you so much for this. Im affected too. Im working on it. ✌️💕
You are among friends here Marion, have a look at how many comments are saying that they suffer in the winter too. I hope that this winter is kind to you.
I am glad you did a video on this. My husband seems to be suffering from it and each year it gets worse. It makes getting things done very hard.
Yes I am not alone
You certainly aren't, a look through the comments will confirm that :-)
Thank you for bringing this to the attention of an audience that may otherwise not be aware of it, SAD can happen in the most unexpected of places & to people who don't think it could happen to them. In my 20s, an occasional depressive, I discovered SAD while in England, a friend with SAD explained the Northern Hemisphere's shorter days made it more common there & that her lamp from the NHS gave her a specific UV light range that was missing. Back in Australia in my 30s, I was diagnosed as having Major Depressive Disorder which, according to doctors, made my questions about SAD moot but it wasn't until my 40s & 10yrs into a Lupus diagnosis that they thought to check my Vitamin D (the vitamin you get from sunlight & which starts the whole mood uplifting process). I had almost ZERO Vitamin D in my blood. I live in one of the sunniest places in the world, the driest city in the driest state of Australia & it can even happen here. I strongly recommend that anyone who suspects they have symptoms, or just feels 'not right' - take some time to see a doctor. It might be treatable & you might just feel better.
Well said Joanne! I hope that the vitamin D has helped to lift your mood. It's been a tough winter here, not especially cold but it's been very rainy and cloudy giving us so many days without sun showing through the clouds and I'm less inclined to spend time outside on the windy and rainy days. BUT we are out the other side of the winter solstice and the daylight hours are getting noticeably longer (hooray) and I can feel the weight of winter starting to lift. As you are in Australia, I guess the opposite must be happening there, so I hope it's a gentle winter ahead for you.
Appreciate your openness and honesty. Thnk u for sharing 🙂
I agree it is hard to stay motivated to care for yourself. I also keep telling myself only a few weeks until the days start to get longer again. Thank you for your honesty and the light box link.
Thank you for posting this! It's a great reminder to get my light box out!
I have trouble with the heat of our desert summers and the long summer hours affects my sleep.. when the weather finally cools into the fall and winter along with the time change I feel better. I also get energized when it clouds up and rains which isn't often here in the desert.
I've always had trouble with the heat.. I will get sick from heat exhaustion if I over exert which limits alot of what I can do in the garden except early morning and late evening.
It's interesting how light and heat affect us, whether too little or too much of it!
Beautiful beautiful video liz. Well done. Love ur gardening videos.
I do suffer myself during the dark months but my father-in-law suffers badly and now he can't fly for hols im not sure what im going to do with him to be honest.
Feel for ya Liz. I never been to drs. But i deffo suffer alot wiv it.. keeping active, be kind to yourself & make the most of any sun! You just feel fed up with everything x
Thank you Matthew, yes you are right, feeling fed up with everything sums up the feeling very well.
Its very very difficult. I self employed & roll with it. Good days i talk to alot of customers. Bad days are when no ones in!! Talking & trying to get out best. Plus eat healthy 😉😁 keep up your most excellent channel x
Plus a few hours up my alloty helps no end lol... big mood booster.
Thank you so much for the video. A series on this would be good.
Hi Joyce, there is a short series planned on this subject. I have to space them out a little or the navel contemplation takes over! Please share the video with anyone that you think may find it interesting or helpful.
Good for talking about it if only people would recognise it even with a diagnosis of depression and anxiety sad comes on top of it
Thanks Lisa, I think talking about our health is vital, hiding it can make it worse and anyway regular viewers of this channel can clearly see how it affects me during the winter. Thank you for watching :-)
I haven't yet read all the comments below but I live in Aurora, Oregon USA and I've always battled with those Winter blues. I make sure I get outside as much as possible and I find that if I take 10,000 mg of high quality vitamin D and 5hpt then I can usually get through that season with a smile on my face and a skip in my step but the trick is to start taking them in early Fall before the blues have time to set in. Thanks so much for sharing.
Can you have it the other way around? As in not into summer when it's hot and as a heavy lad I find it awkward and as the heat makes me sweat a lot it's very uncomfortable for me. As the sun goes low in the sky I feel relief. I worked nights for years as I felt better and in cold stores, as I've worked in abattoirs and kitchens for years in a colder place with short stints of hot is okay. This last year i got out early and enjoyed cycling and camping in the hills and on the moors I feel better. is it my Scott's blood? I love winter especially the snow. Take care you two.
Firstly Liz and Mr J, thanks for true honesty, from the outside people look fine , but one never knows, and as a human race we need to be more mindful of eachother. Secondly i cant believe ye are only together for 8 years, ye are like a long lived couple, great old buddies. Great respect for this video share.
Hi Lorraine, we are a long lived couple, just not with each other! LOL Thank you for your kind words, they are much appreciated.
@@LizZorab awh bless you Liz and Mr Jay, Well i personally am glad ye got together as we enjoy your true to life journey.
Liz this was an excellent, eloquent example of how SAD can affect you. I think the physical symptoms are often overlooked and it is seen as more of a 'mental' issue - but of course as we know these things are not mutually exclusive and it must be very debilitating. But what a star you have in Mr J! Your own personal 'nagger'! Take care lovely people x
Thanks Jane! He is a star and I appreciate the nagging (or I do in hindsight). x
i feel down in the winter its not nice
It's not nice Steven, it really isn't. I hope this winter is kind to you.
So beautifully said Liz and informative. As one who has never suffered from this info such as yours can only make us better equipped friends to understand what someone may be experiencing.
Thank you, I'm glad you found it useful. And I'm so pleased to read that you haven't suffered from SAD - long may that continue!
Never heard of that illness before but I never heard of Fibromyalgia before until I was diagnosed in 2016 some of us are hit with these unusual illnesses and must adjust our life around it.
It's not easy especially when friend's and family don't understand but your doing a great job Liz keep going
Thanks for sharing. I deal with it every winter. It brings on depression and anxiety also.
This has been a dull year almost everywhere. I blame in on the cooling after our recent strong el nino. It might be making SAD worse this year.
A wonderful video Liz and a stunning place to visit too. The sun is shining here, it's a lovely day, I hope it's the same for you. :-)
Hi Chrissie, yes it's bright and sunny today, although pretty nippy! Mr J has been cutting firewood and I'll be out doing some this afternoon. I think it's bacon and eggs and cups of tea first though!
I don't think I suffer from SAD strictly speaking, but do sometimes feel low about now, with dark mornings making it hard to get going. I think it's important to get up bright and early to make use of the daylight, but hard to do if you are feeling low. I have sometimes decided to stop using the computer at 9pm, so that I can get better sleep, and then be more energetic in the morning. I'm not very good at keeping this up though. Looking at screens in the evening can be particularly bad because of the blue light, which tends to upset the circadian rhythm. There is an effect with LED backlights that there is actually a bump in the spectral energy distribution in the blue, because the actual LEDs are usually blue LEDs covered with a phosphor to convert it to white light, but some of the original blue light gets through.
I stop using the computer and phone about an hour or so before bed whenever I can, I think it's a good idea to give our brains time to relax before sleep :-)
Great video you two, you made me cry in the fact that you are so good for each other. . One bolsters the other when they are down, how lovely. I think I've mentioned this before, that is the reason I live in Australia. My father suffered from SAD in the UK but they didn't know that's what it was back then but he decided to move to Australia to somewhere that had light and sunshine and has never suffered since.
I was reading on the Australian SAD support site that it's a rare thing in Australia. I think I've commented before that the quality of the light was one to the things that I remember most about my visit to the Blue Mountains, Sydney and Tasmania. Sorry to have made you cry, but glad that it was over a good thing :-)
@@LizZorab I also have SAD and I would love to move to the almost year round warmth and sun of Australia from Canada, which, of course, has similar weather to yours in the U.K. But circumstances prevent my wife and I from doing so. It is a great help that we have such supportive partners to help us get through this time of year. I look forward too watching more of your videos. Thank you!
Dear Liz, have to tell you thet my husband is sleaping in another room for two years now. Why? Because I can sleap in the dark. So my TV is on mute, but if I want to sleap I need some light. You know I have to work around 300 hours per month during 6 or 7 months of turist season and I have enough 5 to 6 hours sleap but not in darkness. So must be something with my clastrofobie. Now in October I had some days off, went to bed at 9pm , awake at 2am, switched TV off, tryed to sleap but no way hahaaaa...so till 6am I did al the londery, dishes, flowers, coffee....so I understand my husband. He is a big sleaper, 10 hours he needs every day hahahaaaaa...what a weis of life. But I have to say at thet time of season, even if I have 3 days off, I have no wish to do anything around the house even if the weather is fine. I just wish a meter of snow very quick and live my garden till next spring. I think 30 years hard working at home and work came after me last two years. We have to much food from the garden and I have lots of flowers to share every spring with my neighbours. Believe me, they are not gardening and flowering anymore because they know Vesna has enought to share. Most of the people in this vilage is ower 80, but I think its time to care for myselve. Liz, sometimes I am so tired I want to stay in bed for 24 hours but belive me after 10 hours every bone in my body hurts. As my mom says...if I ley down for a day I never I will never stay up from the bed again hahahaaaaa....and she is 80. Sendig love and kisses to you and Mr. J. from Slovenia!!!!!
I had this all my Life so not Easy it’s even harder when you have zero family and live all alone ....One Day at a Time
I used to have depression too
Now I’m fully recovered by eating whole food plant based :)
Love you two and this video
Thanks for sharing. I appreciate the information. I've known people like you've just described and this gives me a better idea of their issues. Becky from Kansas City
Hi Becky, glad that the video was useful, that's exactly what I wanted it to be!
Well said Liz and Mr. J. 💖
Thanks Lois!
I have not heard it mentioned much but I am the opposite. I get this way when summer is coming. It gets very hot where I live (tomorrow is going to be 45 degrees C) and I do not cope at all well with heat. I feel my mood lift when the rains start again.
Thank you Liz.
Thank you for sharing
Good video. I left UK,26 months ago
Where did you move to? Has it helped you?
@LizZorab hello, i have moved to Pakistan, I m 40 years of age and single. Here I get warm and sunny climate . Plus it's super cheap here as compared to the UK, those factors helped me. But yes living In Pakistan has it's downside as well. Thank you for your content, please keep posting, it helps.
Thank you for explaining this. I hope it helps others. Mental disorders are so effie. I mean one person could respond in one way and another person totally different. Our daughter had severe mental disorders (bipolar, manic depressive, anxiety and the list goes on) I have tried since her death to accept her choices, but as when she was alive, I find it very difficult. I am by nature a fighter. (Just ask the spouse.) So I had a hard time comprehending what she was going through. I get the winter blues - however, it's not like SAD it's more just a tired feeling brought on by the grey, wet winter days. I do hope your explanation helps others, the human brain is very odd. If you don't believe me, just ask your dog or cat. They know...
Hi, yes Monty would tell us how odd we are :-) I'm not sure that we can every really understand what someone else is going through in their heads - it would be a bit scary if we could! I am a fighter too I guess, I don't like it when my mood drags me down. I've got much better at recognising that it is what it is and if I wait without caving in to it, the mood will lift and I'll feel better again in time. Thankfully at the moment it's not too bad, it's still early days in the gloomy season and there are lots of interesting things planned to give me some focus outside of what I'm feeling :-)
@@LizZorab One day at a time, Liz, one day at a time. "Grandma Virginia says to you."
Thank you ever so much for sharing ❤️
You're welcome :-)
I take a high dose Vitamin D all year round now. It used to be dreadful but it's manageable now. I used to recommend Vitamin D for all my patients with SAD as we just don't get enough sun in this part of the world.
Do you take vitamin D supplements as well
Do you take Vitamin D supplements at all?
Yes I do, all year round with extra during the late autumn, winter and early spring.
I am trying to find a bit vitamin D tablet that I can take as I have an allergy to maize which is in lots you are lucky to find a supportive partner who understands take care both of you
You may be able to find it as a liquid in a gel capsule :-)
I eat plenty of fish, I have sardines on toast a few times a week for breakfast and I'm lucky enough to have access to milk and butter from grass fed cattle, all my bloodwork came back good, which is apparently rare. We don't get much sun but I do try to spend a couple of hours outside every day,
Don’t underestimate the power of the sun, of magnesium, vitamin b, and vitamin d! But yes also seek professional medical help if needed. Or even if you don’t think it’s needed, because often you need it more than you think.
I just got a light box o see if it helps this year. I felt it coming on a few weeks ago, energy levels dropped and motivation vanished. I have depression anyway but it gets far worse in the winter . I get outside as much as possible as that seems to help me
i never knew such a thing existed. i wonder how many people are affected by it and don't even realise it? my own personal cure for any form of blues is my sense of humour. it also helps when i'm in pain.................brian
Hi Brian, I suspect huge swathes of us are affected by it. NHS advice is to take (or increase) vitamin D during the autumn and winter months because we don't get enough sunlight to make it naturally in our bodies and SAD is most usually light-based. I'm not sure if there is any link between vitamin D levels and SAD, but I certainly increase my vitamin D dose each winter :-) Humour is a fantastic antidote to so many things, I'm glad it helps you with low moods and with your pain.
@@LizZorab you now have me wondering if thats why the doctor put me on a course of vitamin d tablets last year. you are never always told the full facts.........................brian
We just never know how others really feel unless they are as open as you are. Roll on fuzzy nothingness hurrying up and going away from you.
Hi Maggie, we get taught at an early age not to show how we are really feeling. The joy of being able to make videos is that I can make a statement without feeling too vulnerable. Thank you for your kind words.
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