Feeling Sad? You Just May Be Experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD

By Jay O Cruise
Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D. or affects around 10% of all people. It can happen at any time but usually begins when the season changes from long sunny days into the longer and darker nights of the winter months. It is a form of depression that can get more severe if the person does not take some positive steps climb out of their funk. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing serious mood changes due to seasonal changes, they may very well be suffering from SAD.

Can I know for sure that I have SAD and am just not sad? There are some common signs and symptoms that you can look out for to see if you or someone you know is being affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder or even Depression. Look at the list below and check if any of these signs are showing up in your life.

Do You Have Any of The Following Symptoms?

* Difficulty Getting Out of Bed In the Morning
* Insomnia or Still Tired after a Full Nights Sleep
* Overeating
* Cravings for Carbs and Sweets
* Lack of Drive or Purpose
* Limited or No Energy
* Difficulty Relating with Others
* Withdrawal from Friends, Family and Social Gatherings
* Suicidal Thoughts, even if just fleeting

If you have Three or more of these signs showing up when the seasons change then you just may be affected by SAD. It is generally not too severe unless you do not readjust within a week or two back to your normal personality and routine. Remember, It's not the end of the world, just the end of a season. There is plenty that you can do to help yourself or someone you know who is being affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder

Natural Remedies for SAD

St. John's Wort, SAM-e and Omega 3 Fatty AcidsNatural Sunlight Exposure (at least 20 min per day), Full Spectrum Lighting In Your Home or Office, Melatonin (regulates your normal body clock), Exercise for at least 20 Minutes, 3 times a week, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Counseling,

Being a holistic wellness practitioner, I do not recommend prescription medications except in extreme cases (as recommended by your doctor) or in case of being suicidal. Natural Remedies are successful long-term and don't have the dangerous side-effects of Paxil, Prozac, Ritalin and other similar type medications. Consider changing the light bulbs in your home or office to full-spectrum light bulbs. Get natural sunlight exposure - at least 20 minutes per day. Exercise in any way that you can that is comfortable for you for at least 20 minutes. Eat more vibrantly colored foods (yellows, oranges and greens) and consider taking some of the recommended supplements above.www.facebook.com

Holistic Depression Help is one that empowers the person to achieve their highest potential without any crutches that will eventually fail them, again. Feeling Sad? You Just May Be Experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD