Avoid Getting SAD

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by Dr. Sofie Desforges-Bell, naturopathic doctor

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective DisorderTransitioning Into Fall

As we transition into the cooler weather and shorter days of the  fall season, some of us may feel the effects on our overall well-being. Lower mood, increased worry and irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and changes in appetite, are a few of the many symptoms you might be experiencing right now. This seasonally induced depression is called Seasonal Affective Disorder.

2020 – A Challenging Year

2020 has definitely brought on extra challenges with COVID-19, the social and racial unrest, and the financial uncertainties of the world. With everything going on, you may be more susceptible to experiencing mental health challenges. This can include Seasonal Affective Disorder. The degree of severity will vary  depending on each person’s resilience threshold.  Whether you realize it or not, your threshold may have decreased in recent months.  You may have maxed out all of your resources and your surge capacity is running out of fuel.

Less Sunlight = Lower moods5 Nutrients to avoid seasonal affective disorder

Shorter days means less exposure to sunlight. This can cause a host of effects in the body including disrupting your circadian rhythm and your sleep, throwing off your routine, affecting your mood, and creating an imbalance in your hormones. This lower exposure to sunlight decreases the production of key neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Low levels of these transmitters have been associated with depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Tips to help

  • Incorporate lots of movement during the day. This produces endorphins which help with mood.
  • Spends as much time as possible outside.
  • Maintain good sleep hygiene, including regular sleep-wake hours.
  • Try light therapy.
  • Include key nutrients that have been shown to help lift your mood. Check out this infographic from examine.com to learn more.
For additional health and wellness support, especially relating to mental wellness, consider booking a Free 15-min Meet & Greet (virtual or in-person) with our Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Sofie.