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S.A.D - Seasonal Affective DisorderBy Creative(51,573)   Posted Sunday, December 16, 2007 View All Blog Posts submitted by Creative If you find yourself feeling low or depressed during the dark winter months and not the rest of the year, you may be suffering from SAD, seasonal affective disorder.
The link above explains the disorder and states that it is generally treated with 'light boxes' and antidepressants. Both of which I am sure are very helpful depending upon the severity of symptoms, but for myself the following is very effective:
The reason I feel that these two things are helpful is that our mood (as I understand it) is affected by a chemical released by the brain called Serotonin. Serotonin production requires Vit D which is generally obtained via exposure to sunlight. Hence in winter months when there is less direct sunlight and we are outside less, we have reduced Vit D, hence reduced Serotonin production and thus a low mood. So exposure to sunlight and Vit D supplements may help balance low mood brought on by lack of sunlight, ie winter blues.
Further details can be found HERE.
From the link above: "A recent study by the Boston University School of Medicine found that relatively brief exposure to light, several times a week, can help in combating depression and other symptoms of SAD. Vitamin D apparently boosts levels of serotonin in the brain. Low levels of serotonin are typically associated with depression. Many anti-depression medications increase serotonin levels, so Vitamin D may play a similar role. (Note: If you are currently taking medication for depression, do not stop taking your medication. Contact your health care provider and ask about adding Vitamin D to your daily health regimen).
When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces Vitamin D. Both the Vitamin D and the sunlight are believed to improve SAD symptoms. Natural sunlight is a great antidote to SAD, so heading to the great outdoors for 15-30 minutes per day can often reduce or relieve many SAD symptoms. Studies have shown that adults prone to wintertime “blues" who got 1,000 IUs of Vitamin D daily felt less depressed than those who did not get adequate Vitamin D."
Don't suffer in silence.
This Blog Post has been read 368 times. Posted to ProBlogs.com on Sunday, December 16, 2007 View other posts by Creative Comments on this blog post: No comments yet. Leave a Public Comment or Question: Food Allergies & Fast Food Restaurants! A review on McDonalds Bad Habits Promote Good Health Possible Link Between Cell Phone Usage and Male Infertility Social Anxiety - The Top 5 Pets That Can Help You Choking Game Poses Serious Health Threats to Unsuspecting Teens Getting Off Meds Has Consequences? How About Getting On Them? Cardiovascular Suicide and The Church Of Biological Mysticism |
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