With the shortening days, many individuals experience winter depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that can affect one’s mood and outlook during the winter months. Homeopathic remedies offer a natural way without side effects to alleviate the symptoms of SAD and depression. I will explore some of these remedies to use during the autumn and winter months, as the dark days can cast a shadow over day-to-day life.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
Before looking at homeopathic remedies, it’s essential to grasp the nature of Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually during the winter months when there is less exposure to sunlight. Our bodies need to slow down and conserve energy so go into hibernation mode. Symptoms include persistent low mood, irritability, anxiety, lack of energy, changes in sleep patterns, craving carbohydrates and difficulty concentrating. The reduced exposure to natural light is believed to disrupt circadian rhythms and affect neurotransmitters like serotonin (low) and melatonin (high), contributing to the development of SAD. SAD can also run in families and can be higher if you suffer from depression already. For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a big impact on their day-to-day activities.
Homeopathy and SAD
If you’re struggling to cope, homeopathy offers a positive outcome from its use as it treats the individual in the acute phase and then helps overcome the tendency of the yearly SAD symptoms. Remedies work by raising your energy and as it improves, motivation and enthusiasm ignite again. Homeopathy looks at the underlying causes of stresses and characteristic symptoms of the individual including their mental, emotional physical and spiritual traits. Obvious causes can be overwork, a relationship break up, grief, a loss of job or status or any change that is significant to you. I have written more about loss and grief here.
Homeopathic Remedies for SAD
Here is a selection of remedies to use when considering homeopathy for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Aurum Metallicum (Gold):
- Indicated for individuals experiencing deep despair, especially during the winter months.
- Symptoms may include a sense of worthlessness, sadness, and a desire for solitude.
Natrum Muriaticum (Salt):
- Suited for those who become melancholic and reclusive during the winter.
- Common symptoms include a craving for salty foods, emotional sensitivity, and difficulty expressing feelings.
Sepia (Cuttlefish Ink):
- For individuals feeling irritable, indifference towards family members or exhausted during the winter.
- Symptoms may include a lack of interest in daily activities, a desire for solitude, and worsening mood in cold weather.
Holly (Ilex Aquifolium):
- For individuals who may feel hopeless and exhausted, confused and powerless with a sense of no light at the end of the tunnel, with a desire for solitude.
These are not the only remedies to use for SAD but are some of the remedies I have prescribed for people who suffer from SAD and depression.
Natural highs
In addition to homeopathic remedies, incorporating lifestyle changes such as increased exposure to natural light, regular exercise, managing stress levels. A balanced wholefood diet high in B vitamins and essential fatty acids and protein can contribute to the overall management of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here are some more tips:
- Take Vitamin D3 from October to April.
- Adaptogens. Homeobotanical herbs like Ashwagandha and Lemon Balm. St Johns Wort is another well-researched herb.
- Being outside in nature, especially beside water/sea/woods/forests or somewhere tranquil. Pay attention to the natural world.
- Light therapy with a special lamp with a lightbox or a sunrise alarm clock.
- Find something that lifts you: music, comedy, creativity or beauty. Take a little time to drink a hot drink in a window in a favourite spot or café. Sometimes it is the simple things which can help us feel a little more positive.
Want to discover more?
If you have been struggling with SAD or low mood in previous years or since the autumn and are looking to improve your mood with homeopathy or HomeoBotanicals please get in touch https://calendly.com/janebence-homeopathy/book-your-20-min-introductory-call I look forward to hearing from you.
You can find me at The Practice Rooms, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3ED, face to face or online, Monday – Wednesday. https://thepracticerooms.co.uk/room-rental/centres/bristol-westbury-on-trym
Please remember that this is not a substitute for medical advice, and in an emergency, contact your GP or NHS.
