BY CLAIR WHITTY
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is experienced during the darker months of the year due to less hours of sunlight. It is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern and recurs at the same time each year.
Common symptoms associated with SAD include: low mood, sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily life. Your energy may be low or you may have difficulty getting out of bed even after a good night’s sleep. Some of you find it difficult to stay awake during the day and have difficulty concentrating. You may feel like avoiding people and just being on your own.
If you are experiencing these types of symptoms, you could have Seasonal Affective Disorder and you may not realise that the lack of sunlight could be contributing to your symptoms. Things that may help include: exposure to as much daylight as you can, light therapy, gentle exercise, avoiding sugar and processed foods, and supplements may help.
Popular supplements are Vitamin D because lack of sunlight leads decreased levels of this vitamin. Omega 3 Fatty Acids found in oily fish are associated with improved mood. Magnesium in general regulates mood and deficiency is associated with symptoms of depression.
The herb Rhodiola Rosea, Terranova brand, is another option and is one of my favourite herbs to to help with symptoms of SAD. It is an adaptogenic herb, this means that it may help the body adapt to physical, mental, and emotional stress, normalising the body’s response. Over the years I have seen many customers experience the benefits of this herb with improvements in their mood, cognitive function, and energy. It is best to take Rhodiola early in the day and start with a low dose and build to the recommended dosage on the supplement. You can take it alongside Omega 3 fish oils, Vitamin D, Magnesium, or a multi vitamin that offers a variety of these nutrients.
Seasonal Affective Disorder can be extremely debilitating and even more so if you already experience depression all year round. So, I hope that you find something that helps light up your day so you can feel good again.
If you are on any medication, please check with your health care provider before taking supplements or herbs as they may interfere with your medication.
