Beating the Winter Blues

The winter months pose particular challenges for our mental and emotional wellbeing. Less sunlight, colder temperatures, and emotionally-charged holidays can all contribute to negative symptoms, including low mood, depressive thoughts and feelings, anxiety, low energy, and fatigue. When depressive feelings and low energy present during the fall and winter months and resolve with the return of spring, it is termed seasonal affective disorder or SAD. When these symptoms present, daily life can become challenging and one may notice changes in their typical behaviour, including an avoidance of social interactions, decreased physical activity, and difficulty completing tasks.  

With record lows recorded for the amount of sunlight during the months of November and December so far, the risk of experiencing seasonal affective disorder is particularly high this year. While it is normal to experience some change in affect in the colder months, such as a tendency to slow down and feel more inclined to stay cuddled indoors, low mood and a marked decrease in energy should not be presumed inevitable. Fortunately, there are several natural interventions which can help prevent and treat these challenges and keep you feeling energized and uplifted throughout the snowy season. Treatment is based on your unique health needs and lifestyle, and is often a combination of interventions. In any case, a holistic approach of mental, emotional, and physical support is always taken to ensure the most effective treatment. Some principle treatment options include

  • Vitamin D

  • Fish oil

  • Uplifting herbs

  • Bright light therapy 

  • Acupuncture

  • Physical activity

  • Social interaction 

  • Adequate nutrition  

If you experience SAD or are interested in optimizing your mental health to prevent the onset, book an appointment so we can assess your risk factors and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. It is important to know that there are many things you can do to affect your state of mind and wellbeing throughout this time of year and always, and that you do not need to suffer in silence. I am here to offer support and to assure you that you don’t just need to ‘hold on’ until spring.

Dr. Danielle DeBlock, ND

Danielle DeBlockseasonal affective disorder, SAD, winter blues, vitamin D, naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctor, mental health, darkness, mental health supportComment