Natural Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder By Heather Caruso B.Sc., DHMS, HD ©Heather Caruso 2008

The fall is a beautiful time of the year. The colours are vibrant and the sunny cool days are invigorating. In the Northern climates, the season change causes a reduction in sun exposure from November until spring. Many people suffer from depression at this time which is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People seem to be most effected in December, January and February. There are an estimated 14 million Americans that suffer with this disorder.

In the winter months, if you have a hard time pushing yourself out of bed, feel irritable and have difficulty focusing on work, you may be experiencing symptoms of SAD. Sometimes situational depression may overlap the symptoms of SAD. Situational depression can be due to a certain event that may become more prevalent during the holiday season such as the loss of a loved one, being socially isolated or broken-hearted.
Some of the symptoms of SAD include the following:

• Poor sleep or excessive sleeping
• Eating too much or loss of appetite
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Fatigue
• Apathy
• Loss of productivity
• Irritability
• Low sex drive
• Sadness
• Food cravings
• Intolerance to stress where the person was otherwise adaptable

What can you do for yourself naturally if you suffer from SAD?

• Get daily sun exposure during the peak times of the day. Take a walk at lunchtime from work. Sun stimulates the pineal gland which helps to enhance mood. Some people buy full spectrum lighting or a “lightbook” that they place on their desk. This simulated natural sunlight is thought to be helpful for those who cannot get out during the day.
• Start exercising. Exercising releases a natural feel good hormone and helps to reduce stress.
• Take a trip south, doctor’s orders! Getting a vacation south for a few weeks in the middle of winter can give a great boost to your mood.
• Eat well during these times. Eating too much breads, sweets and pasta may feel good for the short run, but it will sap more energy. Eat a diet with half of your daily intake as fruits and vegetables. Eat lean protein and include fatty fish such as salmon. Fatty fish contains omega 3 fatty acids that help with mood. Taking Omega 3 supplements is also a good idea because it provides health benefits such as improving cardiovascular function and serving as an anti-inflammatory and immune enhancer.
• Take a B-Complex with extra B5, B6 and B12. B5 is a good remedy for adrenal gland stress. The adrenal gland is an organ that is affected by stress. It gives you the fight or flight sensation when we are scared. B6 helps the liver to metabolize hormones and enhances the immune system. B12 works to improve energy, mood and supports the nervous system.
• Magnesium and calcium are useful to help with sleep and relaxation.
• Vitamin D has had a lot of good press lately. It is said to prevent various types of cancer, osteoporosis and helps with mood. A standard daily dose would be 1,000 to 2,000 IU. This is a vitamin that is naturally produced in our body when we are exposed to sunshine.
• Homeopathic remedies that are useful for SAD are many. One that comes to mind is Pineal 4CH. This remedy is useful to help support the pineal gland during times of stress. Homeopathic remedies are suited to many symptoms and usually prescribed by a professional.

Each case of SAD is as individual as the person. I recommend getting assessed by a professional if you are not finding relief or are on other prescription medications.

Hi Friends,
Could you help me out? I am conducting a quick 7 question survey to see how people are affected by digestive disorders. Thank you for taking a few seconds to answer the questions online:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=6Ok0wFD_2bqtf8fkkOniRgTA_3d_3d

Heather Caruso B. Sc. , DHMS, HD, Caruso Homeopathic Clinic
Guelph and Port Credit Ontario, Toll Free 1-866-249-5755
Guelph Office 519-827-9237

Website: www.carusohomeopathy.com
E-mail: carusohomeopathic@bellnet.ca

Office Hours by appointment only, please call or book using our website www.carusohomeopathy.com.

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Heather Caruso 2008, All rights reserved.
This information cannot be reproduced without permission.