Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder Naturally
What is SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, often referred to as SAD, is a seasonal form of depression that happens during the shorter days of winter. While SAD can affect anyone, and does affect up to 20% of the US population, it is usually more severe for those in living in farther north or in higher altitudes. That’s because there is even less sunlight the farther north and higher up you go.
What are the Symptoms of SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder manifests in feelings of depression, increased fatigue and sleep, feelings of anxiety, etc. It’s no fun.
How Can I treat SAD?
There are a couple of ways to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Medications. Talk to a doctor and see what (s)he prescribes. Some meds are successful, others are not, and there are certain side effects. It’s up to you if you want to go the route of medication- again, speak to your doctor before deciding one way or another.
Waiting It Out. Since SAD is seasonal, the feelings of depression will subside once spring comes. However, November through February can be a dreary waiting time as you fight to feel normal.
Natural Remedies. One of the simplist natural remedies is light therapy. Light therapy involves purchasing a special light which replicates the rays of the sun. The person suffering from SAD sits in front of this light with their eyes open. This light is not found in normal incandescent household lights, and must be purchased exclusively for this type of therapy. The light can be moved from room to room or even taken to the office. A great bonus for light therapy is that it can be bought over the counter and does not have side effects.
Whatever type of therapy you decide to try in your battle against Seasonal Affective Disorder, it is important to keep in mind that it is treatable. Light therapy is one of the most straightforward and natural solutions for people who suffer from this disorder.