Sometimes, living in India, we take our sunshine and vitamin D for granted. We forget that most of our time is actually spent in the office during daylight hours, and we are probably not getting the amount of light exposure we need. In fact, exposure to the right kinds of light throughout the day is crucial for sleep patterns, energy and your overall health. A lack of it can even lead to a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

 

People are generally diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder when they exhibit recurrent periods of depression that seem to coincide with seasonal weather patterns.

 

What causes SAD?

 

There are multiple factors that can influence the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder in a person.

 

• lack of light – this generally leads to vitamin D deficiency which is linked with SAD
• genetics – people with family members with a history of SAD are more prone to have it
• gender – women are 4 times more likely to have SAD than men
• stress – though there is not a clear causality between the two, stress has been found to be linked with cases of SAD)

 

Natural Remedies for SAD

 

We don’t have much control over our genetics or gender, but we can do something to control our light exposure, monitor our vitamin levels, and maintain our stress levels.

 

Light Exposure – Make it a habit to spend time outside in the morning before work. Go for a walk or even just sit next to an open window in the house where you get ample sunlight.

 

Vitamin Levels – Though sunlight is the main source of vitamin D in your body, some people have trouble processing it within their bodies. Consider taking a supplement, and discuss your options with a doctor. Vitamin B12 has also been linked to cases of depression, so eat foods that will help you meet your daily requirement (pastured eggs, shellfish, salmon, trout, etc.)

 

Stress & Mental Health – Make it a habit of spending time with friends, exercising, and doing whatever it takes for you to relax. If you’re mentally fit, you can take on the world!

 

So stay cool this summer, but make sure you stay happy as well! Depression is an extremely complicated topic, and should not be treated lightly. If you or anyone you know exhibits signs of depression, take the time to consult a doctor and find out what you can do to help.