8 Home Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called SAD, is a type of depression that lasts for months at a time. The depression usually starts and ends at the same time every year. The wintertime is the most common time for someone to suffer from SAD. This is because there is less sunlight out during the winter, which deprives people of natural vitamin D from sunlight. Keep reading to learn some natural home remedies for SAD.

# Go Outside More Often

When you are feeling depressed, getting up and outside can be one of the hardest things you might be able to imagine. However, when suffering from SAD, it is one of the best things you can do. Since SAD happens largely because of lack of sunlight, it is best to get back out into it. So whether you get out and shovel the driveway, talk three ten minutes walk or one half hour walk, play outside for a while, whatever, just get some sun.

# Even More Sun

While inside, open the curtains and sit by the window. Filtered light is better than no light at all. If opening the curtains does not do all that much for you, you can install skylights to your home that can help even more.

# B Vitamins

The variations of vitamin B (make sure to include B6 and folic acid) can help you to combat depression. If you are already on an antidepressant, you might want to ask your doctor before take vitamin B supplements because they can make the pre-existing prescription stronger.

# Fish Oil

Fish and fish oil both have what is called omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids balance out your hormone levels. It is suggested that you get 1,000 to 2,000 mg of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) a day.

# Winter Sports

Multiple studies and doctors say that exercise is one of the best things that you can do to fight depression. If you lift weights, that is great. However, if you jog outside when the weather allows or if you pick up a winter sport, then you get the added benefits of both the exercise and the sun.

# Do Not Drink Alcohol

Alcohol is a natural depressant on its own and it can also increase anxiety. When suffering from SAD, drinking something that actively depresses you more is the last thing you need.

# St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort can do great things for helping your brain to build up more serotonin and works as a mild antidepressant. You can drink three classes of cold water with 40 to 60 drops of St. John’s wort tincture a day.

You should be mindful, though. If you are on a medication, ask your doctor about St. John’s wort because it affects the medications. The herb also makes the skin more sensitive so you might want to wear sunscreen despite it being winter.

# Limit Sugar

Some sugar is okay, but too much can cause more harm than good. One of the effects of SAD is weight gain and getting a sugar hype might make you happy for a little while, but it can you feel even worse when it wears off.