Winter Blues Have You Down? This Could Help Bolster Your Mood If You Suffer From Seasonal Affective Disorder?!

Winter is here and the days are shorter now. Some people suffer from what is known as seasonal affective disorder. I learned long ago that it is the long daylight hours that assure enough serotonin production. Light goes through the eye cornea during the day and is converted into melatonin at night. 

Serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter, without sufficient amounts of it some people can become depressed. It is believed that at certain times people can have their circadian rhythm throw out of whack.

This video will explain it all, and it tell how to combat the winter blues.

Reactions writes: As the days get shorter, darker and colder, people seem to be getting gloomier. For folks with seasonal affective disorder, the changing seasons can make them sadder than most, to the point of depression. Why does this happen? What can someone with the condition do about it? Reactions has the chemistry to explain this disorder and some possible treatments. 

Woooo, wait a second here. This video is great until she gets to the SSRI part. I don’t believe in that garbage! I’ve seen to many articles showing just how destructive they are. Now there are new studies out, linking good gut bacteria to mood. More reasons to take a good probiotic. I saw a story recently that said, throw the SSRI’s in the garbage, and they instead recommend taking probiotics. Do some research though before attempting to go off any SSRI’s if you are already on them now, because stopping cold turkey can cause problems also?!  

Special lighting that mimics the rising sun has proven exceptionally helpful for SAD sufferers. These lights can be found at local medical supply businesses or online. I advise my patients to look for the lights that mimic the sun. An example of this is Lightbox Therapy Lamps, specialty lighting that is around 10,000 lux, which can be set to come on gradually in the morning just like the rising sun. By using a therapy light at least three times a week in the morning, you are likely to impact the symptoms of SAD you are experiencing.

Eating right, which includes avoiding processed foods and excessive sugar as much as possible, also can have a positive impact, as well as getting regular physical activity. Regular activity in the Brainerd lakes area may include skiing, indoor swimming, walking, curling, pickleball, indoor cycling or snowshoeing.

reference:

http://www.pineandlakes.com/news/3913119-crow-wing-energized-shedding-light-seasonal-affective-disorder