I took a year off from my life in Southern California to take classes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I moved from a cute little place blocks from the ocean to a college dorm. I moved from an exciting city of 500,000 people to a county of 85,000 people. The excitement here is going to Wal-Mart. I also left a career that defined me to be an anonymous student.
From late November to mid the end of January, Alaska was -40 degree BELOW zero! It’s so cold that it hurts. Breaking the outside air is like inhaling glass shards. Touching an outside doorknob hurts. The cold makes your nose run, freeze and later dry out. In that extreme weather, you stop caring what you look like, you just want to be warm. It is an accomplishment not to freeze and just to shower that day.
The loss of light causes seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I noticed a marked improvement when I replaced all of my lighting with daylight florescent bulbs. It cost under $20. Now the days get longer until there is 23 hours of daylight in the summer.
The UAF health clinic distributes antidepressants. I did not feel that was the option for me. Medication works for many people, but not for me. If you need an antidepressant, work with your physician to chose the best one for you. There is nothing wrong with taking an antidepressant and this is not a judgment, just saying I do not have a healthy reaction to them.
Alaska is more than 2,000 miles from my home and life. It was such a culture shock that along with the change in light and weather it was too much for me to cope with on my own. Also the isolation brings up issues that I had thought were resolved. So I see a therapist twice a week. Since then, my life has transformed and I feel so much better. I emerged a stronger and more confident person.
I can’t tell you how many times, I cried and wanted to come home. But exercise, lights and counseling helped me survive the winter.
If you want someone to talk to and feel you can’t afford it, try contacting local universities. Often the psychology PhD program will have a clinic with sessions costing only about $5. My therapist has a master’s degree and is compassionate and dedicated to helping me. I have never been more secure in myself as a person or felt more healthy emotionally.
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My son participated in an oral surgery recovery treatment study at a PPD clinic, where he had some wisdom teeth removed. He said the experience was as pleasant and comfortable as could be expected. Plus, the expensive procedure was free to him, and he was compensated nicely for his time.
I think that, as long as you go to a reputable research clinic, you should expect to be well cared for.
March 25, 2008 - 6:33pmThis Comment
Leona,
I'm so glad you mentioned the free/low cost counseling and support offered at Universities. That reminded me that while I was pregnant, I signed up for a study with the clinical psychology department at the University of Virginia, and received 8 free sessions of supportive counseling, plus stress reduction strategies; I even received payment for my time! The student had a Ph.D, and was finishing up her research. She gave me so much of her care, empathy and was wonderful at listening...I miss the weekly sessions, now that I think about it (even though I'm no longer pregnant)! :-)
Be sure to check in your local paper or online for opportunities to participate in a research study, particularly one associated with a University (or hospital). I'd be weary of any others (that's just me). Many studies are non-invasive, compensate you for your time and travel, and it's a great way to learn about other resources in your community, too. (and, it helps the University students with hands-on learning; they are new to the field, qualified, and eager to help!)
The study I participated in was non-invasive, and only asked for my opinion/evaluation, as well as to track my medical process throughout my pregnancy and delivery. Everyone has different boundaries for what they think is acceptable; some feel okay sharing some medical information, while others feel okay with semi-invasive procedures. Either way, find out all you can about the study, ask questions, and if that one isn't right for you, there will be more!
March 25, 2008 - 12:50pmThis Comment
Leona, you're so great to share your story! I can't even begin to imagine the kind of cold that you've experienced up there. That in itself would make me depressed, let alone being so far away from family, friends and everything else. I wouldn't have even thought about the light issue, but that has to be huge.
Thanks also for sharing about the low cost therapy. I'll look into that as a resource for our members and to post on Health Events. I'm finding that there are some amazing therapy opportunities with so many hospitals offering free support groups on countless topics. It's nice to know that individual therapy can be affordably accessible as well.
Warm (and I mean warm!) regards,
Kristin
Kristin Park
March 23, 2008 - 8:18pmhttp://ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com
This Comment
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Leona.
Wow. I would have never thought about the light issues in Alaska. Even thought I've been their many times but only for a few days to fish and hike. And always during the summer time. It never occurred to me that you could develop SAD. Sounds like you figured out a way to treat your condition in a brilliant and inexpensive way. Did someone suggest that to you? Or, did you read about it somewhere?
Also, you've given some great advice to anyone needing or wanting psychological counseling. We at EmpowHer, will have to check into how many Universities around the country offer low cost therapy sessions. That will be a great addition to our Health Events calendar as well as all the women who come to the site looking for resources.
Stay well,
Michelle
March 23, 2008 - 7:30pmThis Comment