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Fact Sheet

Holistic or Herbal Approach to Seasonal Affective Disorder

Contributor
By Lee Ann Lambert
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
Less daylight can trigger seasonal affective disorder.
Less daylight can trigger seasonal affective disorder.
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of ator) (Alan Strakey

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is more than the winter blahs. This form of depression may have a profound effect on your ability to enjoy life and perform daily tasks. You may choose to use a holistic approach to coping with SAD.

    Light Therapy

  1. According to the Mayo Clinic, bright light that mimics sunlight are shown to help relieve seasonal affective disorder by altering circadian rhythms and suppressing the release of melatonin in your body.
  2. Negative Ion Therapy

  3. APA Online reports that a new SAD treatment, negative ion therapy, may elevate mood by releasing negatively charged air particles into the surrounding area.
  4. Herbs

  5. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that St. John's wort is an herbal remedy that can be effective for mild to moderate depression, with few side effects. St. John's wort should not be used in combination with light therapy or with medication.
  6. Vitamins

  7. If you have SAD, increase your vitamin D intake, as a deficiency in vitamin D is linked to depression.
  8. Exercise

  9. There is a distinct link between exercise and mood. Getting regular exercise lifts mood and provides many health benefits.
Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of ator) (Alan Strakey

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