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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in the season. It usually starts to set in late autumn and often lasts for the duration of winter. The symptoms themselves can get more intense as the winter progresses, and entirely disappear in spring and summer.

The symptoms may include:

• Feeling down and sad most of the day
• Constantly tired, fatigue
• Not finding happiness in activities that used to bring you joy
• Craving carbohydrate rich foods
• Trouble sleeping, disrupted sleeping patterns, over sleeping
• Feeling hopeless, worthless, guilty

Potential causes of SAD:

There are a variety of theories behind the cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder. A few factors that can contribute are…

• Reduced sunlight levels in autumn and winter affect the body’s natural circadian rhythm and can lead to low mood
• A decrease in sunlight is also linked with a lower production of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter that when low, can contribute to the onset of depression
• Melatonin levels alter with the reduction in sunlight through winter, which can trigger a shift towards depression
• A reduction in vitamin D levels throughout winter can be an issue for people with SAD, there is a link between vitamin D deficits and depression as this nutrient is an important cofactor for the production of serotonin

How we can help SAD here at Core Naturopathic Clinic:

• Neurotransmitter testing (in urine) to determine levels of key chemicals involved in depression, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine
o Goal – investigate and treat the underlying neurological imbalance with natural supplementation to restore brain balance
• iMRS mat session for brain entrainment and neurotransmitter balancing
o Goal – to shift the mind into a steady state of rest & digest (sympathetic dominant) and out of stress mode for better mental health
• Support vitamin D and melatonin levels as needed to attain optimal nervous system function

Other supportive therapies – psychotherapy, light therapy (phototherapy), physical exercise

By Deb Gibson