That SAD Feeling Could be Seasonal Affective Disorder

Most of us will carry on through Dec. 21, unaware that it's a day of any great significance. For some, however, Dec 21 (the winter solstice) marks a turning point we've been anticipating since the days began to grow noticeably shorter a few months back. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year. After this point, the days begin to grow longer by a few seconds each day until the summer solstice of June 21.

This turning point can be bittersweet, however, as the increase in daylight is not apparent for weeks to follow. Lack of sunlight causes the body's production of serotonin to drop, often resulting in symptoms which can range from mild blues to severe depression. Serotonin is a "feel good" chemical that is released by the brain. In other words, how much of it our brains produce directly affects our moods. Some of us are more sensitive than others and for those with severe symptoms, it is wise to consult your physician to discuss an adequate treatment plan.

For those of you experiencing more mild symptoms such as blues or mild unhappiness, lack of energy, disrupted sleep patterns or shift in sexual desire, you may wish to try altering your diet before treating yourself with medication. Tryptophan is a chemical which acts as a precursor to serotonin production. Increasing foods that contain tryptophan may help increase your mood. These foods include turkey, eggs sesame and sunflower seeds, walnuts, chickpeas, bananas, oats, mangos and spirulina.

Adding foods which contain folic acid can, also, help. These foods include leafy green vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, lentils, kidney and black beans, oranges, mangos and chicken liver. Because we live in an instant society, many people seek an instant solution. For some the immediate effects of popping a pill are preferable to the slow and steady effects of diet modification. I urge you, if your symptoms are not severe, to try modifying your diet first. As you incorporate more of these foods into your diet, you should notice your mood begin to improve.

Don't be fooled into self medicating with sugar, caffeine or alcohol. Although their effects are more immediate, their decline is rapid and will make you feel worse. What I have outlined is a good guideline to follow. However, individual needs may vary.

Getting more natural sunlight into your diet will, obviously, help as well. Getting outside on sunny days and exposing yourself indoors to light from a 300 watt bulb for 15 minutes a day can also be therapeutic.

If you would like to discuss an eating plan that is right for you, please feel free contact me. As I said, however, if your depression symptoms are severe, contact your physician to discuss further treatment. There is no need to be SAD this winter.