Beat the Winter Blues with I'm S.A.D. (Update)

             Hey folks! I'm hoping some of you have been hanging around long enough to remember my original post on the I'm S.A.D. tincture early last year. If not, that's ok too. :) You can read my original review here. In a nutshell, if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, you should really look into this stuff as a means to deal with it, and here is why...

             Once upon a time, not so very long ago, I used to get depressed right before Christmas. For years, this went on, and I thought it was just because I wasn't into the commercialism of the season. That's understandable, right? Especially considering my husband and I, even though we're relatively financially sound now, thought we don't have a lot of “cushion” money still, have never really been in the position of buying “extra” gifts. It's been hard enough for us to afford gifts for Myka, let alone anyone else. And let's be honest: Most of our parents already have everything they want and if they don't, they can buy it themselves, amiright?

             It makes sense, to me, at least, why I would go on thinking that it was just the “jolly season” getting me down every year...But then my gloominess started lasting longer, into my birthday month of January. I should be happy, right? It's my birthday! It's not as if I've had any major ones. Hell, I'm just now getting ready to turn 30! So what gives?

             I finally realized there was a pattern to all of this wintery bah humbug-ness after learning about Seasonal Affective Disorder. I thought back to all of the gloomy winters of past and noticed there was a relatively distinct set of time my mood would shift; between early to mid-December to roughly April. Then I would “magically” seem to get out of my “funk” and feel more like myself again. Hmm...

             So, what would this “funk” entail, you might be wondering? First of all, and most obviously, not really wanting anything to do with Christmas. Sure, after having Myka it was fun to look for gifts. Other than that, though, it was a struggle to even get a tree up.

             Ok, so Christmas isn't my thing. So what? I got to the point where I couldn't even make myself do everyday, regular things, like fold laundry and do dishes. I'm pretty sure we went through a period a couple of years ago, right before I tried out the I'm S.A.D. tincture, where we all pretty much just scrounged through the pile of clean clothes on the floor in front of the washer/dryer, to find something to wear. Not to mention that I still did dishes about, mmm, once a week. Not even exaggerating.

             Then I started taking the I'm S.A.D. tincture from Boline Apothecary and everything changed for the better. I felt like a normally functioning human being again and still do. Now I know to start taking this whenever I first start getting grumpy and feel like my emotions are getting the best of me, because that certainly isn't a good feeling.

             I can't believe how much of a difference it makes. I can actually get into the holidays now, which is good since I have kids. We still don't deck the house out like the Griswolds or anything, but I don't loathe decorating like I used to and everything else that goes along with the Christmas season.

             I can also get everyday things done like a normal person and actually enjoy getting out of the house again. (Well, most days. ;) ) Not only do I have TWO kids to take care of now since I first started using the I'm S.A.D. tincture during winters, we also have 6 kitties, 12 chickens, and a pig that depend on me to feed them, water them, etc. every day. It's not as if they understand or care if I'm in a bad mood.

             In case I haven't made it obvious, I have never been officially/clinically diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, for the record. But, with the symptoms and the fact that this product from Boline Apothecary makes me feel SO much better mentally and emotionally, I think it's safe to say that's my “problem”. 

             Before I forget, I would like to mention that I have had no ill side effects from the I'm S.A.D. tincture. (That's the beauty of herbal remedies, right?!) However, I noticed that they have changed their formula a bit from the last time I ordered a bottle and they have added mushrooms. I hardly EVER remember my dreams any more since having Ripley, but ever since I started taking it this winter I have noticed a dramatic increase in this. I don't consider this a bad thing, but thought it was something that should be noted. (P.s. They also offer 4 ounce bottles now! I'm set for winter!)

             If you get the winter blues, I definitely recommend talking to your doctor and giving I'm S.A.D. a try. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't realize how much I was taking for granted feeling “normal” until after I started using this. It's easy to take for granted once you slip into your “dark place” and feelings of apathy take over.

Have a Happy Winter!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, therefore any medical advice suggested above or on this blog as a whole should not be taken as such. These are merely my opinions/suggestions based on my own personal experiences. I am not liable for any harm, including death, that should occur from suggestions given in this post. Always consult with a medical practitioner before starting any new course of therapy.