Prepare for Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Fall

Fall is the best time to prepare for winter seasonal affective disorder.If you think you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or a milder version – the winter blues – now is the time to start preparing.If you leave it until December or January, you are quite likely to suffer during many dark days unnecessarily.Why? According to Georgetown University clinical psychiatrist and researcher, Dr. Norman Rosenthal,, “For many people, fall is when the problems begin because of the rapid loss of natural light.”“By the time you’re down, it’s already late in the day,” said author of the recent book “Defeating SAD: A Guide to Heath and Happiness Through All Seasons.”
Predictable Phenomenon
“The good news is you’re dealing with a predictable phenomenon,” said Rosenthal, a psychiatrist at Georgetown University School of Medicine, who first described SAD”Dr. Rosenthal, who first described SAD at the National Institute of Mental Health 40 years ago, reveals new developments in the detection and treatment of SAD, and the importance of recognizing the early onset of symptoms in his latest book“Right now many people who are vulnerable to seasonal depression are experiencing more fatigue and having a hard time getting out of bed and getting things done, without realizing that the loss of daylight is driving their loss of energy,” Dr. Rosenthal says. “It’s important to catch these symptoms early.”In his book Defeating SAD, Dr. Rosenthal shares practical action steps that will empower readers, listeners, and viewers to prevent SAD before it can disrupt their personal and professional lives.Now that fall is here, it is timely to prepare for SAD.
What is SAD different from the winter blues?
SAD is more severe and can be disabling. Winter blues can seriously impact the enjoyment of life without impairing function.Light therapy is often a preferred way to treat SAD along with exercise.Supplements like Vitamin D and herbal remedies using St. Johnswort, Lavender, Rose, Tulsi, Linden, Lemon Balm and Passionflower can also have an uplifting effect.
This article was first published in the Herbal Collective Nov’23 issue online.  Subscribe to the Herba Collective or read back issues online in the Herbal Journey.