Seasonal Affective Disorder

As the seasons change and the weather gets colder, do you feel yourself getting glum?  The days are shorter, and we don’t see much sunlight after work hours as the sun sets earlier.  If you are among the 10-20% of people who suffer from some seasonal depression, there are things you can do to combat these shifts.

Get acupuncture

Acupuncture is extremely effective at treating many forms of depression.  There are many points to help calm the spirit which is helpful in easing anxiety as well.  Depression is different for everyone so the treatment is tailored to each patient’s specific needs and manifestations.  Some common depression-related issues we treat are insomnia, overthinking, lack of energy and/or motivation, and changes in appetite.  You can feel better and acupuncture can help you get there.

Take herbs

We have several herbal formulas that can help to get you over the hump of these seasonal changes.  Herbs can be extremely helpful for those who feel they just need an extra boost as well as for those suffering from more severe depression.  We offer herbal consultations for those interested in herbs but not acupuncture.

Take supplements

Some supplements we recommend for depression are:

Vitamin D–When the weather shifts and we aren’t getting it from the sun, taking it orally can do just the trick.

Fish oil–This is helpful in boosting our brain chemistry and making sure nerve signals are transmitting as they should.

B-complex vitamins–B3, and B6 help boost serotonin and B12 helps to boost dopamine and norepinephrine.If you are feeling down, it is important to share it with people you care about and your health care providers so that you have the support you need to feel better.  We are here to help you feel your best!