Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder in which patients suffer from seasonal depression — winter depression or summer depression. Seasonal affective disorder is also abbreviated as SAD. Summer depression is comparatively rare but winter depression is very common. Symptoms associated with summer seasonal affective disorder include weight loss, decreased appetite, insomnia, anxiety, and difficulty in falling asleep.
SAD patients may suffer from increased anxiety levels. Winter seasonal affective disorder may include symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, decreased energy levels, increased need for sleep, a bigger appetite, difficulty in concentrating, and increased desire to be alone.
Cures and Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder
There are a number of natural cures and home remedies that can help treat the depression and anxiety caused by seasonal affective disorder. Some popular cures and remedies are listed below:
- Exercise: Exercise is among the natural cures helpful in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder. Lack of exercise may be among the reasons for depression. Exercising is good for mental health. Regular exercise is one of the effective remedies for treating depression.
- Aromatherapy baths: Herbal and aromatherapy baths are among the beneficial remedies and cures for SAD. Adding essential oils in the warm bath can help reduce depression and anxiety whiling aiding relaxation. Herbs like peppermint and oils such as rosemary oil can be added in the warm bath. These are effective remedies for depression and among the easiest home cures for anxiety.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are among effective cures for SAD. Fish is the major source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are useful remedies for most mental health issues as well as for improved heart health.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is among the beneficial natural cures helpful for treating seasonal affective disorder. Deficiency of vitamin D may result from a lack of exposure to sunlight in winters. Eating vitamin D supplements is an effective cure for the patients of winter seasonal affective disorder.
- Iron: A diet rich in iron is among the effective cures we can include in SAD remedies. Deficiency of iron may cause depression. Anemia is often a reason for difficulty in tolerating cold. Hence, SAD patients are advised to get their iron levels checked.
- St. John’s Wort: This herb is among beneficial SAD cures. This is among the herbal remedies useful for treating depression. It can be used as a tincture. Consumption of 20 drops of this tincture twice daily is among beneficial remedies for patients trying home cures for SAD.
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