What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern. The episodes of depression tend to occur at the same time each year, which is usually winter, it is also known as winter depression, seasonal depression or winter blues. The two main symptoms are persistently low mood and lack of interest in everyday activities. SAD sufferers often notice that symptoms will develop in October, and get worse through November with the worst symptoms in January and February.
All forms of depression, including SAD can be treated effectively with Homeopathic medicines working at a deep level to address the root cause of the problem. Homeopathic medicine is free from side effects, non-habit forming, natural and safe to be used by all age groups.
What is Winter Depression?
Winter depression or winter blues is another term for SAD when there is a lack of energy and feelings of hopelessness in the winter months. Depression can be triggered by SAD, but genetics can also play a part as can hormonal changes or chronic illness. Mental trauma can also play a part in the cause of depression.
Foods to Boost Mental Health
To help boost your mental health, particularly if you are suffering from the winter blues make sure your diet regularly includes whole grains, like whole wheat, oats, brown rice, fruit and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli. Quality proteins, such as eggs, fish, meat and beans are also important as they contain amino acids that can regulate mood.
Eating regularly and keeping blood sugars level balanced can help with symptoms of SAD and winter blues. Drink plenty of water to help concentration, energy and a balanced mood.
Stave off winter blues; to function well the brain needs quality fats from olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, oily fish and eggs.
Moderate how much caffeine you consume, as it can affect your ability to sleep well. Research indicates that by going to bed earlier and waking up earlier you can help with the symptoms of winter depression and winter blues. Making sure you are physically active in winter months can help with SAD. Make the most of natural light by going for walks, preferably in nature, or even sitting by the window. It’s also really important to get enough vitamin D for winter depression.
Homeopathy for Seasonal Depression
Homeopathy can be a great natural treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) alleviating your symptoms and addressing the root cause of your health issues. This is a small selection of Homeopathic remedies for depression.
Arsencium Alb.
Arsencium Alb, is a great Homeopathic remedy especially if you suffer from the winter blues. If you have a tendency to be self critical, worry excessively, particularly if you worry about your health, family, money etc Perhaps you have perfectionist tendencies and then find it difficult if you do not reach all your high standards.
Calc Carb
Calc Carb could be a really useful Homeopathic medicine for you if you are a hard working, reliable type who gets overwhelmed by work, worry or both, especially in the winter months. You may feel tired, anxious, fatigues and discouraged Calc Carb can also help those with low energy and sleep problems.
Nat Mur
Nat Mur has a great affinity with the emotional spectrum, particularly loss, fright and depression. If you are prone to hiding your inner feelings of anger, grief and feel guarded, reserved then Nat Mur might be a useful Homeopathic medicine for you to take, particularly in winter. You may feel weary and exhausted. Sympathy can make you feel angry and other symptoms are headaches, including migraines, insomnia, anxiety and hopelessness.
Ignatia
The Homeopathic remedy Ignatia is great if you are sensitive, with SAD tendencies and you generally suppress your disappointment or grief. If you have a history of recent of past grief or a loss or life change then Ignatia might be suitable for you. If you are careful not to appear vulnerable to others and hide your grief or despair this may be a really helpful Homeopathic medicine for you. Those who need Ignatia often have headaches and insomnia.
Kali Phos
If you are going through a long period of winter blues or emotional stress then Kali Phos can be really helpful. With nervousness, exhaustion, poor focus, headaches and sleep problems Kali Phos can be a great tonic for the nervous system.
Winter Blues Symptoms
The symptoms of winter blues are feeling sad, low mood and or depression. You can feel a loss of interest in activities that you might enjoy in brighter times of the year. You may also experience a change in your appetite, wanting to eat more, particularly comforting foods like carbohydrates. You may want to sleep more and sleep in. There will also be a loss of energy and more fatigue at this time of year.
Natural Homeopathic treatment for depression can be really helpful at treating your symptoms and the underlying causes of your SAD. I specialise in depression and anxiety care, my solution is the Calm Anxiety Treatment Plan that is suitable for people aged 12-65 who are suffering from SAD, anxiety or depression. The Calm Anxiety Treatment Plan includes 1-2-1 online consultations with me Kiran, a qualified Homeopath with over 16 year of professional clinical experience, a bespoke plan for homeopathic remedies, a mindfulness plan and regular check-in phone calls and email support.
Start by booking a free consultation with me to talk about your winter blues, anxiety and or depression. We will discuss how homeopathic treatment with me can help you and your depression and how homeopathy can address your symptoms and help reduce your symptoms naturally so that you feel calmer, centered and well.
Once you start a course of homeopathy treatment you should start to notice improvements within a few weeks. Homeopathic treatment for anxiety and depression usually lasts around 3 – 6 months. This will vary according to your symptoms, how long you have had them and the severity.
Get in touch to book your free consultation with me and let’s work together using homeopathic treatment to naturally balance your mood and relieve your SAD symptoms.
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Watch my new video Seasonal affective disorder: Homeopathic treatments for depression
