3 Things That Helped My Seasonal Affective Disorder

Around October of every year, the dread of Winter starts to creep up on me.  Not because I dislike snow but because my Seasonal Affective Disorder starts to rear its ugly head!  This year, I made a vow that things would be different and the good news is they were.  Here are the 3 Things that Dramatically Helped My Seasonal Affective Disorder!

The Mayo Clinic describes Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) as a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.

In most cases, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Less commonly, people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. In either case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.

Signs and symptoms of SAD may include:

• Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day

• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Having low energy

• Having problems with sleeping

• Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight

• Feeling sluggish or agitated

• Having difficulty concentrating

• Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty

• Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide

3 Things That Helped My Seasonal Affective Disorder

Jesus

When the feelings of hopelessness started this Fall, something rose up within me and said: “Not anymore!”  I decided to commit the whole matter to Jesus and spent much time praying and listening to what God had to say about my trouble with SAD.  I made a commitment to go to Him for help this year, listen, and act accordingly.  Making a conscious decision to go to Christ for HELP made a huge difference!  He also brought together some people to help me manage my battle with Seasonal Affective Disorder.  The following things are a result of prayer and the people God brought into my life as a result of my listening times with Christ.  I am so GRATEFUL!

Happy Light

I started by talking with my doctor, an MD, about the use of a SAD light and she gave me testimonial after testimonial of patients that had been helped by a SAD light.  I went home and ordered this Happy Light and I am so thankful I did,  it has made a huge difference in my mental health…HUGE!  My whole family has noticed a difference and so have I.  In general, January and February are my hardest months.  Not this year, I have navigated through the Winter with no problems of depression.

Essential Oils

Many essential oils high in linalool and beta-pinene are well known for their ability to reduce sad and anxious feelings. Lavender and Clary Sage have high amounts of linalool, while Lemon, Lime, and Siberian Fir have high amounts of beta-pinene. These are my favorite essential oils to use in healing SAD. Actually, I might add Peppermint to the list! For me being able to simply grab a bottle off the shelf and inhale the scent has been transformational.

As I look out my window and see the first signs of Spring in my yard, I am filled with thankfulness to God who showed me the way, and to the people who helped me to heal Seasonal Affective Disorder!

YOUR TURN…

What things do you do to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Blessings,

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*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Pregnant or lactating women and persons with known medical conditions should consult a physician prior to the use of any essential oil.