So what can we do about feeling so bad in the morning?  I scoured the Internet for answers.  I looked on support group forums as well as any research.  As always, the research is great for identifying problems but not so good at providing solutions.  So the following list is generated from my own ideas as well as from others who suffer from morning depression.

• One fellow wrote on a support group forum that he wakes up early on purpose. He usually feels bad. But then he goes to sleep a second time for a short while. He then wakes up and feels better. I am not sure if this method would work for anyone else but it sounds interesting.
  
  
• This next suggestion is a bit out there but who knows? Andrew Gellman, professor of statistics and political science and director of the Applied Statistics center of Columbia University wrote an article entitled, "Watching faces on TV in the morning may cure depression"  based on his colleague's self experimentation.  Seth Roberts, a professor of psychology at Berkeley found that seeing faces in the morning on television improved his mood.  Not exactly good research based on one subjective report but it couldn't hurt to try this.  
  
  
• I say get some light in the mornings. Open up your blinds or buy one of those special light boxes or dawn simulators.
  
  
• Eat something in the morning. The boost of energy will improve your mood! There have been many things written about the wonders of oatmeal to help your mood. Oatmeal is one of my favorite comfort foods as it is warm and filling. And oatmeal fills you without adding a ton of calories.
  
  
• Get a good night's sleep. I do take Melatonin to get to sleep. It is all natural and you can find this at any health food store. People with depression can have a decreased level of melatonin production which makes it difficult to get to sleep. I find that I am asleep within an hour of taking melatonin. I feel it has made a tremendous impact upon my ability to cope the next day.
  
  
• Take some time in the morning for you. Get up a little earlier if you have to but take that time to gain some peace of mind. I used to go into my workplace early so that I could play piano. I worked in a church and they happened to have this old piano there. It sometimes was the highlight of my day. Do something in the morning which makes you feel good.
  
  
• Talk to your doctor or therapist! Your morning mood may have some other medical cause or even be due to how you are taking your antidepressants. The people treating you need to know this information so that they can provide the best help to you.

Now it is your turn.  Do you suffer from morning depression?  What have you found to work for you?  Share your suggestions here.  We love to hear from you!