Snowing, blowing, freezing, gray and gloomy again today. It's mid-March fercryin'outloud. ENOUGH! This has been a long, rough winter. Even normally bubbly folks are feeling down.

On the SAD research front, another cross-Canada study is underway, looking at bright light therapy vs. medication, also environmental and behavioural factors. There have been some interesting theories put forth, so they are hoping to find solid evidence to validate the observations.

For example - it has long been thought that geographical latitude plays a big role in determining the likelihood of developing SAD, and even increases the incidence of SAD in the population as a whole. This is showing to be true up to the 40th parallel (New York state, Oregon ...), but further north is not as influential as once thought. Meaning, compared to California, Vancouverites are much more likely to suffer from SAD, but folks in Alaska are no more likely than Vancouver. Another observation, again not proven, is that seasonally mediated depression does not seem to be common in the southern hemisphere. I'm curious to see what they come up with on that one.

I'm also interested if they are including diet along with other environment or behavioural factors. It would be exciting if they could find a link between high-carb diet, yo-yoing blood sugar levels, and screwed up neurohormones that lead to or worsen SAD symptoms. I know they are using bright light therapy with some success to treat compulsive overeating and binge-eating disorder.

The Center for Environmental Therapies has an excellent site that maintains an up-to-date list of studies and research into recognised non-drug therapies for both physical and mood disorders.

Once again, here's the UBC SAD page. There hasn't really been anything new added since late 2000. The study I described above is being headed up by Dr. Raymond Lam at UBC, and Dr. Anthony Levitt, at U of T. I'm sure it will be a couple of years before they publish their findings. **sigh**. However, the site is well-organized, as up to date as possible, and very reader-friendly...
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I found this interesting prescription for good health and longevityModern science is proving ancient wisdom correct ..

I'm sorry to hear you're SAD, Doreen. I've done much better this winter than the previous two, since we've had (for us) so much sunny weather. Still, it only takes a couple of days of rain for the ol' depression and fatigue to kick in. I use the SAD light, but the only thing that really seems to help is SUNLIGHT - maybe 'cause I can get out in it.

I love the quote you posted. My dream is to be able to afford a place with a light-room. I visualize a room with a whole wall of light that I can put my desk in and just LIVE in all winter. Lots of plants, an indoor fountain, a comfy chair, and LIGHT. Wouldn't that be glorious?

Cheers (hopefully),
Rachel

hey Rachel, not to worry. I'm just sufferring terminal cabin fever. I'm feeling energetic and the weather's not co-operating!!

On the subject of ideal living spaces. I moved to my current apartment two years ago for the reasons you cited. It's huge, bright and sunny (well, when there's sun) I'm on the top floor overlooking the water, my windows face south-east and south-west, since I'm on a corner. My neighbours are all 100 yrs old. I bought all kind of houseplants, and they are thriving.

Drawbacks - the sun...... in the summer, it is blazing hot in here by 6:00 am......... I do have an air conditioner, and heavy drapes, but that kind of defeats the purpose of having all that light. The water ..... not so serene when the motor boats and sea-doos etc go roaring by. And in the fall...... geese, and more geese, ducks and more ducks...... and they never SHUT UP...... And the plants...... it's like a jungle in here! They are doing TOO well, and the watering and pruning has become a full-time job .... I'm into the repotting right now. mid-May will let me move some stuff out onto my balcony, which is huge, I do love that. It's 24 feet long. Some really hot nights in the summer, I have slept out there on my chaise longue. I even had a vegetable and herb garden up here last summer.

The hundred year old neighbours don't like Bonnie Raitt, Colin James or Billie Holiday as much as i do. Darn.

And my luck would be that having a dribbly, trickling fountain noise would just keep my bladder in a constant uproar...

Everything comes with a price!! **LOL** Right now, I just want winter to be over. I'm sick of boots and heavy coats and hats and mitts. UGGHH.

Doreen

Well, I'm with you there, Doreen. Here on the Wet, I mean West Coast winter IS over...and we seem to be settling into a rather cloudy, drizzly, spring (typical). No, I shouldn't say that. It's only cloudy THIS week. Next week will be sunny. Repeat after me....next week will be sunny....

I shouldn't complain. At least it's not cold and snowy, yuck. And it hasn't been actually raining very much, it just threatens.

Your apartment sounds great. I live near the water too, but I don't have a view (well, I do, but it's a parking lot). I have lots of windows, but face NW, so hardly ever get direct sun. I also have a lot of elderly neighbours and lots of geese flying by (the geese, not the neighbours). And crows, and seagulls, and dumpster divers - all of whom are noisy in the wee hours. Still, I love being near the beach and park - wouldn't trade it.

I can't imagine winter lasting till mid-March - here we're usually into spring by mid-February, though it can stay cool and drizzly till June.

Gotta go catch my bus - see y'all later.

Rachel