Thursday, January 17, 2008

Cruel Winter


This winter I have accepted the fact that I have SAD (well, and a doctor confirmed it). I also have PMDD (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder), which I guess is super PMS. It didn't really show up until fairly recently...now that I am neither pregnant or breastfeeding as I have been for about 5 years. December sent me to the doctor in desperation and I have joined the ranks of mothers on anti-depressants (Lexapro, if you're wondering. And I say "ranks" because it seems to be eerily common among mothers--but maybe that is because that is who I mostly talk to. And it's not just mothers in the dark North). I do not know if I will only need this in the winter, or if I'll need it year long. I guess I'll know in a couple of weeks how it affects the PMDD. I'm not wild about taking medication if I don't have to, but this really felt like, at the least, a bridge on the way to normal. I now also have a full spectrum lamp and an exercise bike. I know for a fact light and exercise help. I would love to eventually wean off the medication, if possible.

On cheerier notes, the girls love sledding and there is a fabulous sledding hill at Fiona's school. These pictures were taken a couple of weeks ago. The snow right now is hard and icy and not great for doing anything with except melting.




Also, I am happy to report that our grocery store had cherries yesterday that were acceptable, but not stellar, at only 2.99 a pound. Funny.

3 comments:

Shannon said...

Choosing whether or not to go on meds is such an exhausting ordeal! I hope you feel better soon!

Your sledding pictures look fun, if not crazily cold!

Lone Star Ma said...

Mighty good price for cherries. Did you ever think you'd be snow-sledding, back in the day?

Much love.

Ellen Aim said...

The "Counting Sheep" book Alex got me for xmas talks about light and spectrums and how it really affects you/your outlook. So I have no doubt the lamp and the exercise will really, really help.

I feel/used to feel the same way about meds but on the other hand, I can't help but think sometimes our chemicals need adjusting, so...maybe not so bad.