Seasonal affective disorder treatment (SAD) – A natural approach
Feeling gloomy? Homeopathy can help bring the brightness back.
Homeopathy has proven itself to be a wonderful and natural approach in treating SAD. As we are again heading towards shorter and darker days, many who are affected by seasonal affective disorder have some challenging months ahead of them. If you live in the Northern hemisphere; the months between October and March are especially difficult for those who are severely affected by the limited amount of light exposure we get during these months.
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder
The symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are similar to those of depression, but they occur repetitively at a particular time of year.
Contrary to general depression, not seasonally related, SAD usually start in the autumn or winter, and improve in the spring as the days become longer and lighter again. The nature and severity of SAD varies from person to person. Some people just find a slight change in mood and energy, while for others it can be severe and have a significant impact on their day to day life. Both children and adults may be affected by SAD.
Symptoms of SAD may include:
- Changes in mood
- Lack of enjoyment
- Low energy
- Changes in sleep and feeling sleepier than usual
- Changes in eating: craving simple carbohydrates, sugary foods and overeating
- Difficulty concentrating
- Less time socializing
Homeopathy offers a natural approach to treating SAD
Treatment for seasonal affective disorder should not have to come with the risk of suffering with the potential long, or short term side-effects of antidepressant drugs. If you don’t wish to be weighing the risk vs. benefit of getting treatment for your SAD, choosing homeopathy offers a very effective and safe alternative. Homeopathy is natural, free of any toxic chemicals, and comes without the risk of side-effects. Homeopathy is safe to take no matter what age you are, or whether you are pregnant or nursing and need a worry free and gentle treatment that works. The appointments are generally spaced anywhere from 2-6 (gradually more time between appointments) weeks apart, and the remedies themselves are inexpensive. I expect to see much improvement in anywhere from a week or two, to a couple of months into treatment. On average, a total of 4-6 appointments can be expected, depending on the severity of the symptoms, the amount of time you have suffered with SAD, as well as your general state of health.
Joe’s case
Joe contacted me about this time last year. He had suffered with SAD for the past eight years and finally decided to give homeopathy a try.
Joe lives in a part of the world where daylight is really scarce from October until late February. Over the past five years he has been on different antidepressants off and on, but is now reluctant to go back on since he finds the side effects of the drugs bothersome and concerning.
Joe typically feels extremely down, lethargic, with an overwhelming sense of sadness, hopelessness and isolation. He describes his SAD as being under this dark and heavy cloud for the duration of these months, and have at times been so severely affected that he has had suicidal thoughts. Joe has tried light therapy with some success, but it has not had a deeper and lasting affect. The SAD has returned like clock work each year for the pass eight years with the approach of the shorter and darker days.
When I see a new patient, the first interview normally lasts between 1,5 – 2 hours. An extensive case taking is necessary to get a good understanding of who the person is, what affects him or her, and how all the symptoms of the SAD is experienced for that particular person. We go through the medical history, current symptoms, what is your personality like etc. Many questions are asked during a consultation with a homeopath. Questions that you might not be used to hearing when you visit with your medical doctor.
Joe was given the homeopathic remedy Aurum, based on his mental, emotional and physical symptom picture gathered during the interview. Any homeopathic prescription is done with the whole person in mind, not just the name of your diagnosis. This is the holistic approach to health and healing; seeking to treat from a deeper level and not merely suppress and mask the symptoms by numbing and concealing them.
Joe did really great on Aurum from the very start of taking it. We had 3 consultations in total from September to the end of January, with no symptoms of SAD occurring during those months. Joe’s energy increased, sleep improved, and his mood was stable and good; a “normal” mood, not changing with the dark. This was a huge improvement for Joe and a “saving grace” as far as recovering the quality of his life and regaining his happiness that had been lost for close to half the year for so long. It also meant being able to perform better at work, as well as coming back to being the present and loving father of his 3 children; something that had been a big challenge for a long time.
Joe continues to do well a little over a year into treatment, and only contacts me occasionally now.
Seeing a professional homeopath for SAD
There are many homeopathic remedies that may be indicated for seasonal affective disorder. Which homeopathic remedy that will help you in your healing process depend on your specific symptoms and how you experience them. Homeopathic prescribing is always done based on a holistic aproach to health and healing, as well as a thorough analysis of your case, following the 1,5 hour long first consultation interview. An individualized medicine is chosen that best matches your specific symptoms.
Self-prescribing is not recommended for chronic (long-term) SAD that returns year after year. This kind of more serious depression needs the expertise of a homeopath to piece together all the parts of a person’s history to find the remedy that matches best.
I see 90% of my patient during online consultations using Skype of VSee. You may contact me, or book directly by using my online booking calendar.
Keep in mind that it is possible to book a free 15. minute online chat with me to ask any questions you may have about homeopathic treatment for you or your child.
Homeopath Lone Pedersen DCH, MNHL – Depression and Anxiety
I offer a natural and effective approach in treating SAD
ONLINE APPOINTMENTS VIA SKYPE OR VSEE
