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My doctor tested my vitamin D levels and they were extremely low. So, I supplement and exercise is great to get those endorphins going.

@mrskansas: I live in northern NY and SAD is for real a thing here. every winter after the holidays it gets really bad for me and my mom and a lot of people I know. I don't know about you but sunset is the worst time for me. Once I realized that and that the mornings are fine it helped me deal with it.
it's a real battle for me to fight off seasonal depression. What I do:
take a lot of vitamin D, try to get out every single day even though it's cold, exercise, and not isolate myself too much. I like having creature comforts like my chocolate at night and things to look forward to like parties and events. Sounds silly but it helps. Plan a vacation if you can. Keep up with a hobby. Definitely get outside! Even my doc said "get sunlight on those eyeballs every single day!'
More than anything, the mentality of knowing it's just temporary, what I feel is normal, it will pass ,etc has helped enormously..
Good luck. It ain't fun!!

Wow, thanks for this thread! I’ve been thinking about getting a sun lamp because I’ve been feeling really down this winter, but now I’m excited to try vitamin D. I just need to check with my OB that it’s ok while pregnant, though the APA seems good with it.

@SweetCaroline: I just started seeing a naturopath for unrelated issues but she started me on a liquid vitamin D like others have mentioned http://www.cyto-matrix.com/p_cal_mag.php
Which is apparently better for absorption than the capsules. I’ve only used it for a week but it’s supposed to be really helpful.

I wouldn't call myself depressed, but I definitely am in a crappier mood during the winter months than the summer. It's not even the weather, but the darker shorter days. No advice, update if you get a lamp because I've thought about it for sure! At least for waking up so it's not so dark.

I've used a lamp in the past and it really helped. I bought mine 12 years ago - it still works and I've never had to replace a bulb but I don't think the brand is still in business.

I haven't used it lately because I can't use it too close to bed and the times I used to use it - early evening - just don't work with my schedule. But it really did help.

This post makes me realize I need to get back on top of vitamin D. I somehow got out of the habit...

I hope you feel better soon. I'm with you on desperately wanting it to be spring, which where I'm at unfortunately doesn't arrive until like the end of May...

Wow, good to read this and I will definitely try a vitamin D supplement too!

I was down somewhere since Christmas, I had to work intensely through dec 20 to jan 15 for a work deadline when everyone was supposed to be off. January came, and my chest started hurting. DH started traveling again with his work and everything hit me and I had a panic attack (shortness of breath, heart pounding, and my hand was numb! I couldn't even read to DS at bedtime and I told him to go to the neighbor to call 911 in case I passed out lol). With all those things combined I thought I had a heart attack and my doctor made me go to the ER. I was wondering what I can do to lift my moods up and this is a very helpful thread, thank you!

@SweetCaroline: My levels came back a 7 out of 100. My doctor didn’t know how I was functioning. I too 50,000 IU every other day. Most people take 10,000 IU a day or 50,000 IU a week. My doctor wanted to get mine up quick! Now I take 50,000 IU couple times a week. They also told us that if you live above Atlanta you’re probably deficient. We are from Atlanta so it was never a problem until we moved to the dmv! She said most people need to supplement with at least 10,000 IU.

@mrskansas: ughhhhh another snowstorm up here. The never ending winter. I have such cabin fever

@mrskansas: I hear you. We had one nice day a few weeks ago and I was so depressed the day after when it was cold again. Luckily the days are getting longer and day light savings time will change over soon. I’m hoping the groundhog was right this year and the winter will end soon. I think post holidays is always tough on me too and that just stretches into the winter blues