seasonal affective disorder Tag

October 14, 2014 In Emotional Health, Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Natural Methods for Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is more than just the “Winter Blues.”  It is a form of seasonal or temporal depression that typically affects people during the winter months of longer nights and less sunlight.  If you suffer from SAD, there are many alternative therapies that can naturally help you improve your mood and reduce depressive symptoms, even if you already use a light box for treatment. Improve your mood with food.  Certain foods have proven relationships to brain function.  Healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and lean protein are essential parts of a healthy diet...

October 3, 2014 In Food and Recipes, News, Supplements By Vancouver Health Coach

Seasonal Affective Disorder – Natural Alternatives

SAD is a condition affects about 2-3% of the general population and describes those who have clinical depression only during the autumn and winter months. Symptoms include depression, difficulty sleeping, poor appetite, difficulty concentrating and functioning at work, extreme fatigue and even suicidal thoughts. Reduced exposure to sunlight has prompted the recommendation of phototherapy as a means to treat SAD. Phototherapy provides broad-spectrum light that includes wavelengths between 280-320 nm which allow the skin to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is known to be very common in North America and recent media attention has highlighted the need to supplement with...

August 14, 2013 In Green & Healthy Living, News, Spotlight By Vancouver Health Coach

Combatting Seasonal Affective Disorder

Some people are thrilled by the prospect of winter on the horizon. Snow sports, bundling up, and crisp, white days with sunshine reflecting everywhere. Yet others feel a familiar sense of dread as the days become shorter. Do you feel blue during the winter months? If you're someone who dreads winter because you've felt sad and low for the past few winters, you may be naturally susceptible to Seasonal Affective Disorder. Symptoms include decreased energy, increased carbohydrate cravings, hopelessness, apathy and a low, blue outlook on life. Some researchers believe that the mood variations occur due to a lack of light. Anthropological...