Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder Naturally

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs in the winter, also known as the winter blues. A person who suffers from seasonal affective disorder may often feel depressed at oncoming cold weather and can experience a wide range of symptoms. Some of which are anxiety, mood swings, not wanting to socialize or take part in other activities or changes in eating and sleeping patterns. Millions of people suffer from this condition. It is caused by lack of sunlight and reduces the levels of seratonin in the brain.

Seasonal affective disorder can be treated in many ways without prescribed medication. The first and most studied method is light therapy. This method is usually done in a clinic and is very effective. Light therapy uses lights to increase the levels of seratonin released into the brain. Research shows this method to be very effective in treating seasonal affective disorder. However, this can also be used in home and work settings to improve environment. It is important to keep rooms well lit and cheery to improve your mood. However, natural light is most affective. Therefore, it is still important to go outside and take part in activities as much as possible.

Relaxation is good to improve the mood swings and anxiety involved with seasonal affective disorder. Some may choose to meditate, while others may enjoy a hot bath and incense. However, physical activity is an important element of treating any form of depression. Physical activity increases the production of hormones helpful in treating lethargy and promoting a general feeling of well being. Thirty to sixty minutes of physical activity a day will help alleviate most symptoms of depression. It will also help keep your body functioning properly.

Diet is an important factor when dealing with lowered seratonin levels. It is important to eat foods that promote seratonin production and also increase the function of your immune system. Complex carbohydrates will keep seratonin levels in tact. Some foods that are good sources of complex carbohydrates are fruits, raw vegetables, and soybeans, and rice.

Foods that are high in protein will improve your mood. Most meats will provide a sufficient increase in protein. However, fish and turkey are high in protein and will often provide a relief from anxiety and renewed since of well being. Foods to avoid are anything high and sugar and alcohol. These will increase anxiety and often times increase the risk for more serious depression.

Keeping a healthy body and mind is the best way to treat any form of depression. Getting plenty of activity will help you achieve a since of well being. This is often overlooked due to feelings involved with depression. It is extremely important to identify that the feelings you are experiencing are a symptom of depression and you need to stay active and healthy to recover.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder