Question:
Questions about SAD, seasonal effective disorder..

Seeing the other Q&A question about SAD got me wondering. Are people from southern and perhaps sunnier areas less effected by the cold dark winter? I have SAD and try to vacation in florida or similiar each winter, best bet appears january. Do those of you who live in florida still troubled by SAD?    — bob-haller (posted on April 6, 2006)

April 6, 2006
Hello, My father and myself both suffer from SAD. My father has a house in Florida that he goes to at the first slightest cold spell and comes home to Illinois at the first sunny & warm spell. He does this so he doesn't have the onset of SAD every year. Before he did this the effects of SAD were terrible on him. I have spent several winters there myself with no ill affects. I would suppose that after awhile your body just skips over the onset because you are getting the sunlight and all year round. This probably wasn't much help, but I know it helped him to do it that way. ~SassyLu~
   — SassyLu

April 7, 2006
I wonder if SAD is more common in the MO population?
   — bob-haller

April 7, 2006
Bob, to answer your question - No. I lived in Florida for 3 winters (and 2 summers). I had absolutely no problems at all. It was like a whole new me! I was even going through a terrible time in my marriage and that would get me down, but the SAD was gone. Are you thinking of moving to FL? I highly recommend it! From October to about April it's like a beautiful Spring day, every day!
   — Pambylah

April 7, 2006
I have thought of moving to florida ever since my first visit back in 1984. Its just so beautiful and nice. Then add WLS and at 5 years out I am still freezing in the winter:( Burr. I will be 50 next year and that has me wondering how many more years to make a change? The SAD isnt as bad as when I was MO, but still winter is tough. I have had one real job since graduating HS in 1975. Honestly I would love to work at disney. I like talking and dealing with people. The long cold overcast days of pittsburgh are just tough. I am great in the summer, but crash in november and dont briten up till march. I wonder if SAD is more common in MOs? In the winter I just want to curl up and sleep:( Well its my dream, sadly my wife doesnt like florida:(:(
   — bob-haller

April 8, 2006
I live in Clearwater/Tampa. It gets 'cold' here in the winter.....we get a couple of freeze warnings each winter and a few weeks were it's in the 50's. Now, having lived in Missouri the majority of my life, I can see how that statement sounds stupid. But you have to keep in mind that once you've lived here for a year or so, 50's is COLD! You adjust. As for the effects of SAD, it still gets darker earlier in the winter and many people still hibernate. It is nice living without snow and the screaming cold weather, but if you live in any of the 'attractive' areas of Florida, the winters are much more crowded due to the seasonal residents. According to the power company, the population of Pinellas county increases 20% in the winter months. The dynamic is amazing between summer and Winter for this reason alone. I view it as a trade off, better winter season but more aggrivation with slow drivers and increased population. SAD may not be as bad here, but there are other factors that may negate the benefits.
   — RebeccaP