How to Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder Naturally

As winter comes in, many seniors in McKinney, TX, are preparing for another bout with SAD. With the right approaches, such as light therapy or exercise, this condition can be far more manageable.

First things first: what is SAD? This is short for seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression caused by a change of seasons. SAD is most commonly experienced during the winter months, particularly if they're colder and darker than usual.

Unlike its milder variant, known as the winter blues, SAD can significantly impact your well-being. Fortunately, there are several proven methods that will allow you to reverse seasonal affective disorder, at least temporarily.

Not sure where to start? Read on to learn why SAD is particularly dangerous for seniors and how you can treat this condition naturally!

What Is the Main Cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

The main cause of SAD is decreased exposure to natural light in the fall and winter. The lack of light disrupts your body's internal clock, which can lead to imbalances in your brain chemicals. This often results in:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Oversleeping

SAD may have a genetic component, with some people being more susceptible to changes to the circadian rhythm. These rhythms also change as we get older, which makes seniors more likely to experience these issues.

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The symptoms of SAD depend on the severity of the condition. That said, some symptoms are more common than others. These include:

• Difficulties to concentrate
• Low mood or energy
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Stress and anxiety
• Feelings of worthlessness

Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these symptoms for a variety of reasons. For example, the CDC states that 93% of seniors have at least one chronic health condition, and these conditions increase the risk of depression.

How to Overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder?

As serious as SAD is, it's an entirely treatable condition. Here's a list of some natural mood boosters that may help you deal with SAD this winter!

Light Therapy

When it comes to seasonal routines for seniors, light therapy is near the top for efficiency. This remedy involves using a light box to simulate sunlight during the winter months. It's best used early in the morning for 30 minutes to two hours.

As long as the light enters the pupils, you can do whatever you want while using the box. However, to prevent potential symptoms from developing, it's best to start light therapy before winter rolls around.

Regular Exercise

It's no secret that regular exercise comes with many benefits for seniors. What you may not know is that it also helps you deal with SAD. Even simple exercises such as light walking can increase your serotonin levels and prevent anxiety.

One thing to keep in mind here is that you shouldn't exercise at night. This disturbs your cycle of melatonin production, which may cause sleep issues. Check in with your health care provider to determine the best exercises for your needs.

Functional Diet

Beyond light therapy and exercise, a balanced diet can do a lot to reduce the onset and severity of SAD symptoms. The main things you should avoid include:

• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Alcohol
• Processed meat

You should also look into adding more vital nutrients, such as folate, to your diet. Low levels of folate are associated with the onset of depression. You can find folate in many vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

Social Interaction

For many seniors, isolation is a key factor in seasonal depression. If you don't see yourself traveling this winter, talk to your family and friends via calls or video chats. This is also a great time to get to know your neighbors.

If you live in a senior community, half of the work is already done for you. These days, many assisted living wellness programs feature an active social calendar. Pick the events you like and work on your language skills with other residents!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Difference Between Winter Blues and SAD?

It can be difficult to differentiate SAD from simple winter blues. The difference is that winter blues are temporary and don't interfere with your daily life. As far as winter blues solutions go, exposure to sunlight is often enough by itself.

On the other hand, SAD is a recurring type of depression. If you always feel down in the winter, you're more likely to suffer from SAD. Its symptoms are also more pervasive and may impact all aspects of your life.

Should You See a Professional for SAD?

If your symptoms last more than two weeks, you may want to consult a doctor. They'll likely run a thorough evaluation to help diagnose SAD, which includes:

• Lab tests
• Physical exam
• Psychological evaluation

You can prepare for the appointment by making a list of your symptoms and depression patterns. You may also want to note any other physical or mental issues you face, as well as the list of medications you're taking.

What Is the Best Medication for SAD?

The treatment for SAD depends on the individual and their symptoms. Right now, the FDA recommends Bupropion as an antidepressant for SAD prevention. This medication is typically taken daily and is best used proactively.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline and fluoxetine can also be effective at treating SAD symptoms. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain, boosting your mood. 

This Is How to Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder

As you can see, the best way to reverse seasonal affective disorder is to implement some smart lifestyle changes. If the above suggestions don't ease your symptoms, your best bet is to talk to a professional health care provider.

At Redbud Place, we don't let SAD take over our residents' lives. Our assisted living community makes your life easier in many ways, from allowing pets to offering exercise classes. We also provide inclusive amenities and a full social calendar!

Thinking of joining our McKinney, TX, community? Contact us now to see if you're eligible for our Military Veterans program and receive 50% off the first month's rent!