As many as 1 in 300 Australians are thought to experience SAD.
Although clearly a problem much more prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere, seasonal affective disorder still affects too many of us.
Associate Professor Michael Baigent, clinical advisor to BeyondBlue helps to clarify the condition by explaining seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as follows: “S.A.D. is characterised by mood disturbances that begin in winter and subside when the season ends. Symptoms include depression, over-sleeping, over-eating, low energy levels, weight gain, and craving of carbohydrates.”
Lost rhythms
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, people arose at sunrise, and retired after sunset. Our circadian rhythms – and, as a result, our hormonal, eating and sleeping patterns – are attuned to the cycles of the sun and moon.
Daylight triggers the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin, and darkness triggers the sleep-inducing hormone, melatonin. When we followed these natural cycles we had sufficient serotonin because we were exposed to light throughout the day.
Today, however, many people set their alarm to get up in the dark; they then spend their day in an air-conditioned or artificially heated and fluorescent-lit office with no exposure to daylight and go home when it’s getting dark again. They are deficient in serotonin and vitamin D.
Natural solutions
One solution is a full spectrum light box which emits extremely bright artificial light. The light is thought to alter levels of both melatonin and serotonin, so it has a positive influence on sleep patterns and wellbeing. They are widely available online.
Indeed, in some places, like the in the arctic circle of northern Sweden, children spend a recommended amount of time each day exposed to special lights that are designed specifically to counteract the effects of SAD. If you’d like to know more about this, you can read more here.
You should also expose yourself to as much natural daylight as possible. On sunny winter days, go for walks outdoors. Even if winter light doesn’t have midsummer intensity, a dose of real sun is far more effective than indoor bulbs.
Do everything you can to increase the amount of natural light that comes into your home. Keep curtains and blinds open. Consider having skylights installed, especially in rooms where you spend a lot of time. Plan a holiday during the winter months and get away to a warm, sunny climate.
Craving sugar and starch in winter is natural as these foods are traditionally more warming. However, it’s the type of carb you choose that determines whether or not you feel sluggish. Don’t overdo biscuits, sweets and other sugary or fatty foods.
Treat yourself to slow-cooked casseroles with carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and organic meat, and soups with split peas, lentils and chickpeas. High protein meals help increase alertness – try a boiled egg for breakfast.
Consider supplements – try a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement containing vitamin B6, thiamine and folic acid – studies show that all of these can benefit mood.
To prevent mood swings, don’t drink alcohol – your mood will plummet when the buzz wears off.
And try taking St John’s wort – this herbal remedy helps to increase the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin.
Pick a flower
Depression often represents resistance and fear of change. Try these gentle Australian bush flower essences:
* Kapok Bush: When everything feels like too much trouble; for apathy, resignation, lack of effort. Brings about persistence and a willingness to ‘give it a go’.
* Wild Potato Bush: For feeling weighed down, frustrated, unable to move forward. Brings a sense of vitality, energy, and freedom.
* Red Grevillea: For feeling stuck in a job, relationship or situation you don’t enjoy; being over-dependent and sensitive to criticism. Gives strength, courage and trust.
If you’d like some further information on the possible benefits of aromatherapy, you can read more here.
