All the Facts you need to know to beat Seasonal Affective Disorder or Winter Blues?
The shorter days of fall and winter precipitate a syndrome that can consist of depression, fatigue, weight gain
and a loss of libido. If these symptoms persist in the winter time as days get longer and longer, and clear in
spring and summer, the diagnosis is usually Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Lack of adequate light impacts the body in a unique way. The body becomes deficient in Vitamin D and Serotonin
levels reach their lowest point during December and January. Individuals living at latitudes above 40 north
are more prone to these deficiencies. Along with a proper diet and full-spectrum sunlight therapy, a regime
that includes Vitamin D and 5-HTP are helpful in treating SAD.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
When the weather is sunny and bright people tend to feel more upbeat and positive. When the weather is
gloomy, cold and dismal, moods tend to slump and often people feel a little down.
However, for certain individuals these mood shifts develop into a type of depression that accompanies
seasonal changes and affects their ability to function normally. Recurrent episodes of clinical
depression that surface during seasonal changes, particularly winter, are referred to as Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD).
This condition is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus the part of the brain that
governs the primary functions of the body such as appetite, temperature, sleep, sex drive,
mood and activity.
The hypothalamus is stimulated by natural light entering the eye and striking the retina. When
the days are short and sunlight is reduced, the hypothalamus has to adjust its response to the
various body mechanisms, slowing down these functions.
Diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder
Very often SAD is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms presented are so similar to other types of
depression. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as a physical condition such as hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism,
infectious mononucleosis, and other viral infections.
The diagnosis for SAD is based upon the reported symptoms, along with a history of seasonal episodes.
The diagnosis for SAD is based upon the reported symptoms, along with a history of seasonal
episodes.
A Seasonal Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) will also determine:
- Sleep patterns
- Weight changes
- Energy levels
- Mood changes
- Social activity
Common Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
With shorter days of fall and winter do you feel
- Depressed?
- Anxiety?
- Gain weight?
- Have a hard time focusing?
- Hopelessness?
- Loss of Energy?
- Social Withdrawal?
- Oversleeping?
- Loss of interest in usual activities?
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
The exact causes of SAD are unknown. Research shows that a lack of bright light during the winter months
may be the cause of the development of symptoms of seasonal affective disorder - bright light affects the
chemicals in the brain.
Lack of adequate light impacts the body in a unique way. The body becomes deficient in Vitamin D and
Serotonin levels reach their lowest point during December and January. Individuals living at latitudes
above 40? north are more prone to these deficiencies.
Other research shows that a disrupted body clock (circadian rhythm) causes depression and lethargy. In
addition, low serotonin (neurotransmitters carrying messages to the brain) and melatonin levels
(the hormone which makes us sleep) can be found in people suffering from SAD.
Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Conventional Therapy
Conventional drugs for the treatment of SAD include antidepressant medication such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil
or Celexa. While these may be beneficial in the short term, many long term effects are unknown.
Psychotherapy
Counseling and cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very helpful and provide support during the difficult months
as well as help with lifestyle changes.
Complementary Therapy
- Full Spectrum Light therapy (phototherapy) requires you to sit in front of a light box or special lamp that is
10 to 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor lights for approximately 30 minutes each day. Sun Boxes or SAD Lamps are very popular during the winter months.
- Massage
- Diet rich in fruit and vegetables
Natural Remedies
There are a number of natural and holistic remedies that are better suited for the body than conventional
medicine and can provide an answer on how to beat seasonal depression. Herbal and homeopathic remedies can
provide harmony in the body to better balance your moods and feelings without the side effects and
potential for dependency associated with the synthetic drugs.
Along with a proper diet and full-spectrum sunlight therapy, a regime that includes Vitamin D and 5-HTP
are helpful in treating SAD.
Aromatherapy essential oils of lemon, grapefruit and geranium are well known for their anti-depressant
properties and may be introduced into the environment by means of oil diffusers, space sprays, in a
bath oil or during massage
Help for Winter Blues
In many cases, people who experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are often misdiagnosed because
they symptoms are varied and common to other ailments. However, there are effective ways to treat and
control SAD and it is not necessary for people to suffer year after year.
Symptoms of winter depression associated with depression can affect daily living and should
not be ignored. If you are wondering how to beat seasonal depression; treatment options include
conventional therapy, psychotherapy, complementary therapy, natural therapy or a combination of
these approaches.
Natural Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Relief kit
Get a 30-day Supply for just $1.50 a day!
