Start Early to Beat Winter Blahs and Blues

Who wants to think about the winter doldrums before Thanksgiving has even arrived? Yet if you have a history of suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), now may be exactly the right time to focus on how you will manage the problem—before it even becomes one. In sensitive individuals the annual shift from the bright days of summer to the brief, dark ones of late autumn and winter can trigger a drop in mood right along with the dip in temperature.

ANNUAL BLUES AND BLAHS

It is estimated that a half million Americans suffer from some form of winter-onset depression during the cold, dark season, with symptoms such as lethargy and fatigue…difficulty concentrating…irritability…sleeping and/or eating too much…carbohydrate cravings…weight gain…and a reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as social interactions and intimacy.

It’s common for conventional medical practitioners to prescribe antidepressants for this problem, but these drugs are not always effective and can cause many side effects. In his practice, Daily Health News contributor Mark Stengler, ND, finds homeopathic therapies to be particularly useful in countering the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR SAD

In my view, one of the most fascinating things about this approach to medicine is the way the homeopathic practitioner carefully matches remedies and dosages with personal symptom patterns and even individual personalities, in order to best stimulate the body’s own natural healing response.

Accordingly, here are some of Dr. Stengler’s observations about the effect of homeopathic remedies on SAD. He says that if you are prone to the problem, you may want to start using these remedies in early December before you typically get depressed. Take them for two weeks, then stop. If symptoms return, take for another two weeks. 

  • Aurum Metallicum. Also known as metallic gold, this is a classic remedy for many of the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder, and is often prescribed for bouts of depression associated with a lack of sunlight. It may be specifically helpful for stress, tension and sadness. People in authority and those with a strong sense of duty are good candidates for Aurum Metallicum.
  • Ignatia. Homeopathic physicians frequently prescribe Ignatia for symptoms of SAD and other types of depression, emotional distress, anxiety, moodiness and grief. Dr. Stengler finds that perfectionists among his patients, in particular, are likely to benefit from Ignatia.
  • Natrum Sulphuricum. Dr. Stengler prescribes this remedy especially for patients with depression that grows worse with dampness. Natrum Sulphuricum is particularly well-suited to those who are sensitive to changes from dry to wet weather.
  • Pulsatilla. Dr. Stengler finds this homeopathic preparation from the windflower most beneficial for individuals with gentle, sensitive personalities—patients whose feelings are easily hurt and who tend to extend themselves in order to avoid hurting the feelings of others. In addition to using Pulsatilla for SAD, Dr. Stengler often prescribes it for anxiety, arthritis, headache and hormonal imbalances.
  • Sepia. Made from cuttlefish ink, Sepia may be helpful in treating the symptoms of SAD and other forms of depression and may be especially effective for those who are irritable, overwhelmed, exhausted and who have a tendency to isolate themselves from others.

MORE WAYS TO COUNTER WINTER DOLDRUMS

Dr. Stengler says that other natural treatments can also be helpful for seasonal affective disorder. He often prescribes…

  • Light therapy. Experts believe SAD is at least in part caused by a lack of sunlight, so it stands to reason that light exposure may ease symptoms. Dr. Stengler often prescribes 30 minutes of daily exposure to light, noting that even on winter days this can be accomplished with a brisk walk outdoors. However some people (especially those living in northern latitudes) find it worthwhile to purchase a special lightbox containing full spectrum—5,000 to 10,000 LUX—bulbs.
  • Vitamin D. When the body’s exposure to sunlight wanes in gloomy winter months, so does your supply of vitamin D—the sunshine vitamin. Dr. Stengler says he believes people prone to SAD should supplement 2,000 IU vitamin D during winter months. Or you can take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamin D, and eat plenty of salmon, tuna, eggs and vitamin D-fortified dairy foods.
  • Melatonin. Some research suggests that seasonal affective disorder may be linked with melatonin, a light-modulating hormone that has already been associated with other forms of depression. Blood levels of melatonin rise and fall along with exposure to light and darkness. Since the reduced exposure to light in the winter months can derail circadian rhythms, a melatonin supplement may help get you back on track. Note: Melatonin should be taken only with professional oversight and advice.

NOT DO-IT-YOURSELF

Even with homeopathy, there’s always some risk associated with self-prescription. Using the wrong remedy, at the wrong strength or potency, or taking doses too little or too often may impede efficacy and can even make matters worse. Also, depression can be an especially difficult condition to manage, so it’s best to seek expert medical supervision for homeopathic treatment and also to see your physician immediately if your symptoms are persistent or severe. To learn more about homeopathy or to locate a practitioner in your area, visit the Web site of the National Center for Homeopathy at www.homeopathic.org…the American Institute of Homeopathy at www.homeopathyusa.org…or the Council on Homeopathic Education at www.chedu.org. Since naturopathic physicians are trained and experienced in homeopathy, you may also want to consult the site of The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at www.naturopathic.org.