Onset of winter and Seasonal Affective Disorder

THE short days and long evenings are here. Some people love this time of year, but many don’t because they find that their mood plummets once the dark evenings settle in. You forget for a while that it’s just the dark again, you think that there is something seriously wrong with you. Your mood is low, you may feel depressed, you’re tired, you can’t be bothered doing anything, you just want to hibernate, but you can’t. It doesn’t work like that for humans. We can’t gather our nuts and hide. Life goes on, so must we.

When the mood plummets at this time of the year it’s often diagnosed as SAD–Seasonal Affective Disorder. The lack of daylight, a disturbance in your body’s natural body clock, and a drop in serotonin levels can contribute to this condition.

Supplements that you can try in order to help with the symptoms of SAD are Omega 3 fish oils, and Vitamin D, both are important to help with mood and depression. Tryosine, found in Higher Nature Drive will raise dopamine levels which will improve energy, motivation and drive. A friend of mine used to always recommend Floradix Saludynam it’s a supplement that provides the body with the base minerals, calcium, magnesium, zinc and Vitamin D, she called it the sunshine vitamin. She always got good results with her clients. Another thing you can do is to use Daylight Bulbs in the house as they give out the closest light to daylight.

Rhodiola is a herb which helps to improve serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain chemical which helps us to feel happy. If we have low levels of this brain chemical we will lack motivation, energy, have low mood, mild depression, and sex drive and libido can be low both in male and female. Rhodiola can help improve these symptoms and will also help memory and concentration. It works well combined with a good multi vitamin or with any of the supplements mentioned above. So it’s an interesting one to consider if you are feeling SAD. Check with your doctor if you’re on medication.

Don’t put your head under the blanket, you can’t stay there. Talk to someone, if you’re suffering from SAD you could try these supplements to brighten up your winter. Clair Whitty is a Bach Flower Practitioner, Nutritional Health Coach and Vega Allergy Tester based at The Natural Health Store, 24 North Main Street, Wexford 053 9121613 | clairm1@eircom.net www.clairsclinic.ie