
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD for short, is a common mood disorder where people experience depressive symptoms in the fall or winter or anxiety in the summer every year but maintain a healthy mental state during other seasons. Approximately four to six percent of Americans can be severely affected; with women four times more likely to experience it than men. Even though it is not commonly found in people younger than age 20, it is still possible for children and young adults to suffer from SAD.
Symptoms of SAD include:
- Fatigue
- Increased need for sleep
- Decreased levels of energy
- Weight gain or loss
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Antisocial behavior
- Craving carbohydrates
What causes SAD?
The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but medical professionals attribute it to any of the following:
- Lack of sunlight
- Increase in melatonin levels
- Hormone levels
- Irregular brain chemistry
- Lack of serotonin
- Disruption of our circadian rhythm
- Lack of vitamin D
Lack of sun is the most compelling cause since lacking sunlight affects the brain by increasing melatonin while decreasing serotonin and vitamin D levels in the body. When exposed to sunlight, your optic nerve sends a message to your brain to produce less melatonin. Melatonin calms the body and allows you to sleep. When the sun comes up your brain produces serotonin which induces feelings of wakefulness. When the sun’s ultraviolet rays touch your skin, your body produces vitamin D which also helps the body maintain proper serotonin levels.
Three action steps to help with SAD
So how do we improve our overall health to mitigate the effects of SAD? Here are three areas that may be supportive.
Light

The best option for SAD is sunlight due to its long wavelength and the better concentration of red and orange light waves. According to many studies light exposure, particularly bright light, through the eyes boost serotonin activity. The more intense the sunlight is the more powerful the benefits are going to be. It’s important to note that a short period of intense sunlight is actually much better than a longer period of sunlight with cloudy weather.
The bright light of the sun is beneficial yet in the winter we are spending more time indoors and looking at screens. This type of light is called blue light and can be detrimental to our health. Florescent lights, computers, cell phones, televisions, e-readers, and more all contain blue light. This light wave range is not helpful for those with SAD. One way to reduce some of this blue light exposure is to wear special glasses which block this light wave. Although many new devices have apps or programs that can block the blue light, it may not be enough to significantly cut your exposure. Therefore, glasses can be a useful option. Light therapy appears to be very helpful with health problems, energy, mood, and anxiety.
Exercise

Exercise and physical activity are great ways to fight depression. If at all possible, bundle up and get outside in the bright sunshine to walk, run, or just play! It is best to forgo sunglasses so your eyes can absorb the sunshine. If getting outside is not always feasible, find a fun physical activity to enjoy yourself and don’t forget to get the family involved too. The best exercises are the ones that you enjoy and will do.
Diet

Proper diet is important in the treatment of SAD. Eating a healthy, whole-food diet, low in processed food and artificial ingredients, can help to address nutrient deficiencies that may be exacerbating SAD symptoms.
Consuming foods rich in Vitamin D and DHA may be particularly helpful in treating SAD. Vitamin D is produced easily in the summer sun by our bodies but is limited in the winter. Fish and other types of seafood are high in both Vitamin D and the essential omega 3 fatty acid DHA. Vitamin D can also be found in dairy products (be sure to choose organic in order to avoid added hormones, antibiotics, and other chemicals), eggs, and mushrooms (especially portabellas which are raised under appropriate conditions). Fish, and nuts contain high amounts of omega-3 while B-complex vitamins come from oily fish, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Herring, mackerel, salmon and flaxseed are the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Dietary supplements also help with SAD. In addition to vitamin D, supplements to add into your diet include omega-3, vitamin B3, vitamin B12, and folate.
Through light therapy, exercise, and diet we may be able to reduce the effects of SAD this winter and in future winters.
Micronutrients for SAD
Just like it’s important to add balancing macronutrients to your diet, adding certain micronutrients can also aid in easing your Seasonal Affective Disorder. Studies show that vitamin and mineral balance is beneficial for your SAD self-care routine.
- Vitamin D – Vitamin D, which the body produces less of in sun-starved winter, can (not only) reduce inflammation, but also elevate how you feel. Test your Vitamin D
My favorite high dose Vitamin D - Vitamin B – Anyone low in Vitamin B12, folate and Vitamin B6 may experience changes in brain chemical and function. Test your Vitamin B
- Vitamin C – studies show higher levels of Vitamin C improve overall mood BUT lower levels are associated with increased depression, anger, and confusion. My favorite high dose Vitamin C
- Omegas – omega-3 fatty acids from wild caught fatty fish help the brain utilize serotonin more efficiently, which produces a potent antidepressant effect. My favorite blend of omegas
- Super Greens – whole food micronutrients have been shown to improve positive mood. My favorite super greens pack
- Whole Food Nutrient Blend – it’s important to have a balanced nutrient blend that is whole food vitamins, minerals, omegas, digestive blend, super greens/fruits. My favorite nutrient pack
The Bottom Line
Remember, you are not alone in experiencing the winter blues or a more severe case of SAD. Although in some cases SAD can be self-managed, in more severe and life-disrupting circumstances you should consider seeking help from a mental health professional. They are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to offer helpful coping tools and suggest evidence-based treatments to combat SAD.About the Author
Renee Lynn is a functional nutrition and wellness practitioner. She works virtually, world-wide. Learn more at CoachReneeLynn.com