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SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a form of depression that occurs during the same season each year, most commonly during the winter months. First diagnosed centuries ago in Scandinavia, the disorder primarily plagues those living in cold weather climates that experience prolonged periods with little to no sunlight. Physiologically, the body is responding to a lack of exposure to light, resulting in altered levels of serotonin and melatonin.

Individuals affected by SAD may experience:

• Lack of motivation or decreased interest in everyday activities
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Change in sleep patterns
• Altered energy level
• Social withdrawal

The appearance of some or all of the above symptoms at the same time each year could be SAD. Sufferers often isolate themselves to their homes and avoid social interaction. This isolation only deepens the depression.

What can you do if you have SAD?

See your Chiropractor!

The chiropractic approach is a holistic way to treat SAD, it has been a blessing to countless individuals who suffer from seasonal depression. The symptoms that SAD encompasses fall under the category of stress, which is a major trigger for vertebral subluxations, it’s no coincidence that SAD typically falls around the holidays when we’re stressed with family, financially, and may be over-extending ourselves. Maintaining a consistent chiropractic adjustment schedule is essential for dealing with the stressors of SAD.” Chiropractors take a natural, drug-free approach by correcting vertebral subluxations (nerve interferences) in the spine. Chiropractic has also been shown to improve hormone balance. Decreasing the bad hormones like cortisol and increasing the good hormones, such as dopamine and norepinephrine makes a big difference in how the brain and body works and how a person feels. Chiropractic care allows the body to operate at its full potential.

Take additional Vitamin D

As we move into winter, it’s a good time to take extra vitamin D to keep balance not getting it naturally through the sun. it is estimated that one billion people are deficient in vitamin D.
Recent studies and research results reported a link with vitamin to depression. Canadian researchers reviewed 14 studies, consisting of 31,424 participants and found a strong correlation between depression and a lack of Vitamin D. The lower the Vitamin D level, the greater the chance of depression, thus showing that keeping a regular intake of vitamin D can in return help during the winter months when we stay inside more and the sun is not as intense.

Keep Active

It has been shown that keeping active and exercising each day helps build and keep serotonin levels up. Stretching increases production of endorphins, the neurotransmitters in the brain that can elevate mood and alleviate pain and depression all the while alleviating SAD symptoms.