9 Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as S.A.D., is a type of depression that affects millions of people every year.  S.A.D. usually begins in the late fall or early winter and continues into early spring and in some cases may last until the beginning of summer.  S.A.D. is more than just the “winter blues”.   Symptoms may be mild or severe but generally they get worse as the winter season progresses.

What are the symptoms of S.A.D.?

1.      Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day.
2.      Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed.
3.      Lack of energy.
4.      Problems with sleep.
5.      Changes in appetite and/or weight.
6.      Feeling sluggish or agitated.
7.      Trouble concentrating.
8.      Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty.
9.      Thoughts of death or suicide.

There are several theories of what causes S.A.D.  It is generally accepted that the shorter days and less sunlight play a role although the exact mechanism is unknown.  It is thought that a Vitamin D deficiency may be a factor.  It is also thought that a decrease in the brain chemicals that help us sleep may be a factor, especially decreases in serotonin and melatonin.  Finally, there may be a correlation between diet and the onset of S.A.D.  It is known that increased sugar consumption (like often occurs around the Halloween/Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year holidays) can contribute to depression and may play a role in S.A.D. 

As a natural health care practitioner and chiropractor, I believe that “anything can cause anything” when it comes to the body.  The most important thing is to discover what is causing your seasonal depression and how can it be corrected.  We can do this using Nutrition Response Testing®.

Nutrition Response Testing® is a safe, non-invasive way of analyzing the body for specific organ weakness or dysfunction that may be causing symptoms, conditions or illness.  Once we determine what the real problem is, we can then test for specific whole-food, organic supplements that will support the body and the organs in being as healthy as possible. It is safe, natural and we get predictable results.