For many of us, autumn is a beautiful time of year, but for some the increased darkness and colder weather heralds a change in mood and function that is debilitating and depressing: the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that tends to come on at the same time each year: it usually starts around October time and can go on throughout the winter until March or April.  It causes a persistent low mood and a lack of energy and enthusiasm; if you are a SAD sufferer you may recognise these symptoms:

• Feeling persistently low in mood and sad
• Having less energy – a ‘sluggish’ feeling
• Having a lack of enthusiasm for previously enjoyable activities
• Desiring to stay at home thus avoiding company which can lead to feelings of loneliness
• Experiencing lower self-esteem – feelings of guilt or hopelessness are common
• Desiring/needing more sleep
• Eating more, especially comforting foods such as carbs, possibly leading to weight gain
• Having difficulty concentrating

No wonder so many animals hibernate!

What Causes Seasonal Affected Disorder?

It is said that the reduction in sunlight has an impact on our brain:  there is a decrease in Serotonin production while melatonin production increases which has an effect on our mood and sleep patterns. Thus it is natural for our body to want to slow down, but our busy modern lifestyles and work requirements rarely allow for this.  We can see that in nature winter is a time of rest, yet few of us acknowledge that this may apply to us too; maybe we should think about slowing down, meditating and reflecting – focussing more on our inner world.

Also, as with most afflictions, hormonal imbalance, genetic tendencies and lifestyle habits also play a role in the causation of SAD.

However, although we can’t hibernate for the winter, we can make small changes which can make a substantial difference (see suggestions below).

What can Homeopathy do to help?

Homeopathic medicine treats the whole person and looks to address the cause of any problem.  At a consultation your homeopath will want to know all about you – not just about your SAD symptoms, but your other medical history, your likes and dislikes, your personality – everything is important.  This is so that we can find a remedy that most closely fits with the whole of you.  Homeopathy brings things back into balance; our medicines have no side effects and are natural and safe to be used by all age groups.

Homeopathy can help to banish these winter blues, safely and gently so that winter months can be enjoyed rather than dreaded.

Here are a small selection of remedies that are known to help with an acute (i.e. short-lived) episode of SAD.

• Arsencium Alb, is a great remedy for the winter blues, especially if you tend to be self-critical and maybe a bit of a worrier, particularly about the health of yourself and your family, or if you have money worries. You may also be a perfectionist.
• Nat Mur has a great affinity with negative emotions, particularly loss, fear and depression. If you tend to be reserved and find it difficult to express your inner feelings, Nat Mur might be a good remedy for you. You may feel tired and depressed yet shun sympathy from others.
• Kali Phos is a wonderful tonic for the nervous system; this remedy will help with someone experiencing fatigue mentally as well as physically. People needing Kali Phos may also struggle with nervousness, poor focus and headaches.
• Sol– the sunlight remedy is really beneficial for exhaustion despite oversleeping, and you may feel irritable during the day.  You may feel very cold and that you can’t get warm – you’ll feel better for a hot bath!
• Amber is a beautiful gemstone which may be of benefit if you tend to shun company yet are also fearful of being alone. You may find you are sensitive to noises and that your mind becomes dull and forgetful.  You may feel claustrophobic yet you don’t want to go out.
• Aurum Met– Gold – is a remedy where there are intense feelings of hopelessness and melancholy.   It can bring some light to these dark days.

However, if your symptoms are long-lasting or recurring, it is better to seek help from a professional homeopath who will explore any deeper issues that may be causing your seasonal depression and find a bespoke remedy for you.

I offer a free telephone consultation so we can discuss your needs and establish how homeopathic treatment can help address your symptoms.  You can book this via my website

Other ways to help with Seasonal Affected Disorder

• Foods: Try to eat well with plenty of whole grains (wholewheat, oats, rice etc); leafy green vegetables are great and as are good quality proteins such as eggs, fish and beans. Olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds are great for brain function too!  We tend to crave carbohydrates but they can negatively affect our blood sugar balance leading to fluctuations in energy, so try to introduce more protein-based snacks or complex carbohydrates
• Light therapy can help: SAD lamps which mimic natural sunlight are widely available.  The recommendation is 20 minutes each morning.
• Vitamin D3 Increase your Vitamin D3 intake via food or a supplement (make sure you choose supplement that also contains K2). Foods high in D3 include oily fish, raw milk, eggs.
• Try to keep moving:  Make the most of natural light by going out for walks if you can, or even just sit by a window and look out.  Gentle stretching, yoga, pilates or Tai Chi are fabulous for raising serotonin and for getting our lymphatic system moving: if going out to a class isn’t an option there are many good on-line classes available.

If you have any queries or would like to book a free call with me to discuss your symptoms, do get in touch: email: homeopathy@tanablum.com