Beat Seasonal Affected Disorder Naturally
Around six to seven percent of the population reports experiencing some of the most extreme symptoms of seasonal affected disorder, such as clinical depression, cravings for and overeating of carbohydrates, excessive sleeping, heightened sensitivity to pain, significant weight gain, social withdrawal, loss of interest in people or things normally enjoyed, lack of motivation or a profound sadness. There are natural ways to combat the debilitating symptoms.
Though might not be aware of it, the leading symptoms of SAD have a rather uncomplicated and natural approach to treatment. By way of direct exposure of the skin and eyes to the sun’s rays, most of the problems linked to seasonal affective disorder just disappear. Unfiltered sunlight is actually the only way to reap the benefits, as sunlight which passes through glass offers little, if any, apparent benefits.
For many people who have seasonal affected disorder and live in the Northern Hemisphere, symptoms of winter depression coinciding with shorter daylight hours can definitely be a problem. The further you live from the equator, the less sunlight exposure will be available. A minimum amount of sunlight exposure is needed for your body to produce enough vitamin D through your skin. In extreme northern areas of the world, the amount of sun exposure is cut rather short, to only around three to four months out of a year.
If you are suffering from depression in winter and it’s impractical to get enough direct sunlight as a result of the place you live or what you do for a living, there are still a number of things you can do to get control of the symptoms of this affliction in a natural way. Most of these helpful tips will have an impact and may even make antidepressants unnecessary.
Besides light treatments, there are dietary and lifestyle changes that can be made to combat seasonal affected disorder as well. Though there may be an overwhelming craving for refined carbohydrates, try to avoid eating them, as they can make your already dismal mood that much worse. Another way to combat SAD is to eat a diet loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and get some exercise. A short walk every day has more of a positive effect on depression in winter than almost any pharmaceutical that is manufactured.
There are many people who have discovered that throughout the winter months they become depressed more easily. Winter depression, also known as SAD (seasonal affective disorder), is a condition that many people suffer with every year. If you suspect that you or a loved one might have this disorder, visit our site to learn more about winter depression treatments.