Naturopathic Solutions For Seasonal Affective Disorder
Summer is coming to an end.
The days are getting noticeably shorter, and the mornings are starting to be cooler.
“Sweater weather” is here, and that means winter isn’t too far behind.
For some this means winter fun – skiing, skating, snowboarding.
But for others, winter brings with it seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal depression.
I’m Dr. Kim Dawdy, ND, a naturopathic doctor in Ottawa, and if you’re feeling the “winter blues” I can offer some natural ways to help get you through these upcoming months.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal affective disorder is another term for seasonal depression, or major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.
As a result, it has what might be the most appropriate acronym of all time – SAD.
SAD generally affects women, adolescents, and young adults.
Generally SAD occurs during the winter months, but it’s possible for it to happen during the summer as well.
What Are The Symptoms Of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Symptoms of season affective disorder when it occurs in the winter months include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Feeling depressed
- Feeling tired, and sleeping more than usual
- Low libido
- Brain fog
- Irritability
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Reduced interest in social activities
When SAD occurs in the summer, which is less common, symptoms include weight loss, not eating enough, trouble sleeping, anxiety and irritability, and feelings of restlessness.
Causes Of Seasonal Affective Disorder
The precise cause of SAD is not known, however low levels of sunlight during winter months is thought to be one of the prime contributing factors.
A lack of sunlight affects the hormones which regulate mood and sleep patterns, including serotonin and melatonin.
Finally, low levels of sunlight have an effect on the body’s internal clock and cause fluctuations to sleep and wake cycles which can make you more prone to wanting to sleep.
Naturopathic Treatments For Seasonal Affective Disorder
If you are affected by the long winter months, and lack of sunlight there are a number of natural ways to help you feel better.
Let’s have a look at some of these natural solutions for SAD in more detail.
1. Vitamin D
Your body can produce vitamin D on its own when exposed to sunlight, which there’s less and less of during winter months.
Levels of vitamin D are also thought to play a role in how much serotonin your body produces, which has an effect on mood.
In a 2011 article in Issues in Mental Health Nursing study participants who were given vitamin D supplements reported decreased levels of depression and an increase in a positive mood when compared to the placebo group.
2. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is well-known as being used to help balance mood and for its positive effects on emotions.
A 2016 article in Systematic Reviews looked at the use of St. John’s Wort for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
It found using St. John’s Wort as a treatment for mild and moderate depression worked better than placebo and had outcomes similar to antidepressant medications for improving symptoms.
It’s important to note St. John’s Wort has a number of side-effects and drug interactions.
If you wish to look into this as a possible solution for your depressive symptoms, it’s best to consult with your naturopathic doctor first.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the proper development and function of the nervous system, and there is evidence to suggest a link between them and depression.
An article from Lipids in Health and Disease found evidence to suggest that ensuring individuals with depression get enough omega-3s from fish oils can be beneficial, however, it also warns against using fish oils as the sole method of treatment for depressive symptoms.
4. Acupuncture
The practice of acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine and involves inserting tiny needles into strategic points on the body.
A 2017 article which looked at treatments for SAD in German hospitals found over half them recommended options which could be considered “alternative treatments” such as acupuncture, meditation, and yoga.
5. 5-HTP
Derived from an African bean, 5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is a supplement which can help increase the levels of serotonin in the brain.
The body converts 5-HTP to serotonin when there is enough tryptophan available in the body, and low levels of 5-HTP are thought to result in depression.
Supplementation with 5-HTP assists the body to naturally restore serotonin.
Book An Appointment With Dawdy Naturopathic
Do you get the “winter blues”?
With the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter, are you noticing changes in your mood, or energy levels?
I’m Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND, and I can help.
I can work with you to find natural solutions which will work best for you to manage seasonal depression and help you get through the long, cold, Ottawa winters.
Contact me today for more information, or to set up an appointment.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Kimberly Dawdy, ND
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic
6899 Sunset Blvd,
Greely, ON K4P 1C5
-https://g.page/dawdynaturopathicclinic
Dawdy Naturopathic Clinic offers a variety of naturopathic health solutions for individuals and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area.
