Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Seasonal Depression

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

During the darker, colder, cloudier winter months, many people suffer from seasonal depression. My question is during these months when the sun does finally come out and shine, how do you take advantage of it? Does it change your mood for the day? Do you seem happier?

February 16, 2020
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared widely different responses to seasonal depression during darker winter months, with some finding winter cozy and comforting... Read more

Members shared widely different responses to seasonal depression during darker winter months, with some finding winter cozy and comforting while others struggle with less sunlight and feel happier when the sun returns. Many members described practical strategies for managing mood shifts, including using SAD lamps with 5000k bulbs, spending time outdoors walking or gardening when the sun appears, staying active with pets, and seeking counseling or medication when needed. A recurring theme was that depression often stems more from personal circumstances, loss, or health challenges than the seasons themselves, though most agreed that sunny days tend to lift spirits and provide welcome opportunities to connect with nature.

A myHIVteam Member

This is going to sound a little strange, but living in The Valley of the Sun (Arizona), I sometimes get so tired seeing the sun. I love the occasional cloudy day.
Can’t wait for the Monsoon season to start. I love thunderstorms, if we get any.
Enjoy.

February 17, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

That's why I love California. And I'm always smoking weed can't be depressed on weed 😊...

February 16, 2020 (edited)
A myHIVteam Member

I always feel better on a sunny day.

February 27, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

I suffer from SAD as well as pervasive deep depression and anxiety and I use a SAD lamp during the darker winter months as well as counseling and a group of medication. The medicine that works for me is Pristiq and. Ability. I had tried every depression medication out there. When the sun does return I balcony garden and expose myself to the sun plus love sitting out in the sun.

February 27, 2020
A myHIVteam Member

Winter is Wonderful Time of Year!! The white blankets of snow!! Staying warm by the giant radiators, snuggling up in a warm bed, decorating for the holidays, shoveling snow, deicing the walls, planning the vegatable garden, taking care of the 100 house plants, pots of vegetable soup simmering, deep hot baths, the short days and long nights to be cozy.... Summer is very depressing, especially now that it gets so much hotter, soon I will need to move to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Wisconsin or perhaps Canada, especially with Fascism on the rise in the United States, now might be a good time to get further north.

February 17, 2020

Related content

View All

Has Anyone Fallen During Fall?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Athens, GA

Seasonal Depression

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Edmore, MI

HIV And Seasonal Allergies

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
New Brunswick, NJ