Use Natural Remedies to Treat your Seasonal Depression and SAD
It’s the time of year where the bitter cold starts and the days just don’t get longer fast enough. Frigid mornings where it is so cold, even putting your feet on the ground sends a shock through your system so fierce, it often drives you back into bed. You are dragging yourself around, low energy, not sleeping well, aches and pains while recurring colds and flus plague you.
There are varying degrees to how people experience the low in the winter months. For some it is as mild as the “winter blahs”, for others it is a full-blown disorder called Seasonal Effective Disorder, or SAD.
We thought we would share some remedies that are great for this feeling of depression that hits many people this time of year. These remedies can help many people - from the mildest of sufferers to those with clinically diagnosed depression.
Vitamin D - 4000-6000 IU a day can really help to stave off both depression and boost the immune system to prevent colds and flus.
5-HTP – This is a pre-cursor to serotonin, and is prescribed as an anti-depressant in Europe. It helps with sleep issues and depression.
St. John’s Wort – An herb well-known for treating depression and anxiety. Be careful taking this if you are already on conventional anti-depressants, as they are contra-indicated.
1000-2000mg of EPA per day. This is an Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acid that has been shown to help in cases of depression.
Kalium-Phosphoricum tissue salts , made from potassium phosphate, which is needed for proper functioning of the nervous system. It has a calming effect and helps in cases of depression or sleep issues.
Ficus Carica Gemmotherapy remedy is made from the buds of the fig tree that has a strong affinity for the nervous system. It is traditionally used to treat depression and emotional disturbances. It can help to relieve obsessive thoughts and anxiety.
Tilia Tomentosa Gemmotherapy remedy is another nervous system tonic made from the buds of the linden tree. It has a calming and sedative effect on the nervous system. Caution when using this with SSRI’s.
A combination of Ficus carica and Tilia tomentosa is a potent reliever of depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. I have used these with my patients with great success!
Bach Flower Remedies: Bach flower remedies are great for easing many emotional states and mood imbalances. There are 38 total, each with a different feeling or emotional issue that they help resolve, but here are the top 3 that are great for depression.
Mustard Bach Flower Remedy – For sudden, unexplainable gloom or deep sadness. There is no light or joy, just a dark cloud.
Olive Bach Flower Remedy – When one feels complete mental/physical exhaustion, no more strength left, effort is difficult.
White Chestnut Bach Flower Remedy – For recurring thoughts that circle around in your head disturbing concentration and peace. A great remedy for worries that keep you up at night.
And some lifestyle items that can work towards a feeling of wellbeing:
Adequate sleep, proper diet, exercise! – These 3 things are keys to emotional and physical health. Make a commitment to yourself to:
- Sleep 8 hours
- “Eat real food, mostly plants, not too much.” (Michael Polan, In Defense of Food)
- Exercise regularly! - It releases endorphins, helps you sleep better and boosts immunity, plus many other benefits!
This TED Talk is a MUST WATCH! Depression is a disease of civilization: Stephen Ilardi at TEDxEmory
Don’t take on too much and ask for help! – Feeling overwhelmed with tasks can tire you out more. Ask for help, or say no to those things that are not necessary.
Take a minute and breathe. Deep breaths, down into your belly. Close your eyes and get back in your body.
Get a pet companion! Cuddling furry friends are shown to have a marked effect on your mental and emotional well-being. There are many friends who need love waiting for you at your local shelter!
Spend some quality snuggle time with a loved one. Snuggling releases oxytocin, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel happy, bonded and secure. It is the same happy hormone that is released when a new mother is bonding with baby after birth.
Meditate! Start out slow: 10 minutes a day and work your way up. Be gentle with yourself, honouring the place you are each day. Meditation should not be an exercise in feeling bad and berating yourself for your mind wandering. If your mind wanders, notice why, maybe make a note to address those issues later, and then gently bring your attention back to the breath. It is more about taking the time, breathing and being still with yourself, than it is about having a completely empty mind the entire time you sit there.
If you suffer from clinical depression or SAD, constitutional homeopathic treatment can help you to beat this challenging disorder and live a happier fuller life! Start on the road to being happy and healthy, book an appointment today!
Dillena Dillen DHMHS (Hons), Reiki Master