7 Ways of Overcoming Depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder

Winter is certainly here, all over the United States. With that comes the turning back of Daylight Savings Time to "Regular" Time and the shorter days. There is no way to get past it, no matter where you happen to live - the days get shorter, the clouds come out for days at a time, and many of us find that a case of Winter Blues has settled in for the next 6 months. Have you been feeling down, loosing these past few weeks and you can't seem to explain it? Have you found yourself spending more time just watching TV, sprawled out on the sofa or sleeping long hours? Are you eating more than you usually do? All of these could be signs of stress build-up and winter depression. Many people suffer from SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder, to differing degrees, year after year. The signs of depression last throughout winter and don't begin to leave until the first signs of Spring.

The sun is an important part of our make-up, but often gets taken for granted in our hectic lifestyles. It is the planet's light and heat source, and the sun is the source of life in plants, and whether we realize it or not, we are dependent on the sun. Over the past 40 years, scientists really began to study the effects of the sun on human beings. If you remember, it was about 30 years ago when science announced that direct sunlight for lengths of time on the skin was dangerous. Well, like everything else we took that information too far and said NO SUN. How could we be created NOT to function in the life-giving light that covers the Earth? There has to be a balance and now today, most doctors and scientists agree that we should get anywhere from 15 - 30 minutes of sunlight everyday. This has been proven so significant that further research has gone on and actually shown that our inner system actually needs the effects of the sun. People who live in Northern states though have longer winters and most of those don't get any substantial sunlight for months. So when we can't and don't get it, we have to find a substitute or depression may sink in.

In the past few years there have been some amazing solutions to this problem both in the scientific arena, and also in the behavioral, too. By rearranging our schedule and adding a few supplements, it is possible to create some artificial sun. It is now possible to manage the winter blues and the changing season attitudes with just a little extra care. Some of you can reduce the depression by adding natural supplements and environmental methods into your life style and just walking out the solution. Let some light in and don't look back!

Solution: In studying the effects of sun light, scientists have suggested that someone who is S.A.D needs more light in order to process levels of Serotonin, which is the natural hormone in our brain that makes us "feel good." A simple way to mimic the sun in your own living space, like an office, or computer room or a portion of the living room, is to transform it into a mini sunroom. You can do this by going to Home Depot or Lowes and getting2or3 lamp stands and using the highest florescent light bulbs available, plus a high wattage bulb for your ceiling fixture. Arrange all the stands to focus on one chair and spend at least 15 minutes a day there. This will stimulate your hormones even with the artificial light and allow your eyes to receive the sensory attention they need.

In addition to brightening up your environment with a sunroom, here are some supplements that will help also.

Vitamin D3 - is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because this is the anti-aging vitamin that is manufactured in our bodies from the natural sunlight. When you are not in the sun, take vitamin D3 (make sure it is D3) from 1000-3000mg a day.

Vitamin C - 5000 - 10,000 mgs a day will pump up your immune system like a shot in the arm and you will probably not have as many colds as in past years.

St. John's Wart - is a known herb for depression. Start with a small amount and work up to allow your system to adjust.

Colon cleanse - try a colon cleanse to eliminate toxins and poisons that have accumulated. When these have been deposited in residue from junk food and medicines it can cause your system to slow and not process food efficiently. Hence, you're not getting the nutrition

your body needs even though you are eating well. (And how many of us do that?)

5HTP (5-hydroxy L-tryptophan) - Is an excellent stimulant for the hormonal system. 5 HTP is known to promote a "good feeling," by stimulating serotonin and melatonin levels. Try taking 100mg before bedtime.

Melatonin - is known to promote sleep by regulating the circadian rhythms of the body. Try 3 mg. 30 minutes before bedtime (can be taken with the 5HTP). Studies have shown that increasing the dosage does not increase benefits.

If you REALLY want to boost your system, go to your local health food store and find a Green Food. This is all natural, flaked or powdered vegetable mixture that will jump start your day! Simply add 1 teaspoon or 1 scoop to your juice in the morning, and see how much energy you have when you get all your veggies!

It is my hope that if you are feeling down or depressed that you will try one or more of these solutions and let them give you a tangible way to take control of your intangible emotions and get rid of those Winter Blues.