Seasonal Depression also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Winter Blues is a common type of depression that can have a major impact on our lives. Luckily, this type of depression can be treated with Vitamin D Supplementation. Before we get into the treatment methods involved, lets take a look at who it effects, why and common symptoms of seasonal depression.

Seasonal Depression occurs mostly in the late fall and winter months when daylight savings time is implemented. People most affected by SAD live up North and on the East Coast. With long work hours and shortened daylight hours during November, December, January, February and March, many hard working individuals wake up early in the morning to darkness while returning home later in the day when dusk is setting in. That loss of daylight during the week can wreak havoc on ones mental and physical health. SAD is most common in young adult women from the ages of 26-40 years old but can be seen in men of any age as well. It is said that 6 out of 100 people may experience the winter blues. If you multiply that by the total population, you will see that this is a serious issue.

Here are a few symptoms of SAD: Depressed mood, Fatigue and Loss of Energy, Poor Concentration, Feelings of Worthlessness, Unexplained Weight Gain, Sleeping more than usual, Cravings for Sugar and Starchy Foods, Irritability and Recurrent thoughts of Death and Suicide.

Luckily, we can easily treat seasonal depression with Vitamin D Supplementation. Believe it or not, the sun supplies our bodies with Vitamin D. When our skin absorbs ultraviolet rays (UV) from the sun, it triggers a mechanism in our bodies to make its own Vitamin D. This synthesis happens automatically when our skin is exposed to the sun. Without sun exposure, we’re unable to produce vitamin D and must acquire it from other sources. To combat this loss of Vitamin D production in our bodies, you can ingest Vitamin D and Omega-3 Oil rich foods such as Cod Fish, Salmon and Tuna Fish. Milk is a great source of Vitamin D and has many other health benefits as well. Some people do not like to eat fish or have allergic reactions from it, so this is where Vitamin D and Omega-3 Oil supplementation will help. You can purchase these supplements at your local drug store, vitamin shop or supermarket..

These are the recommended daily doses of Vitamin D set by the FDA:

Ages 14-50 = 200 IU

Ages 51-70 = 400 IU

Ages 71 + = 600 IU

Although Vitamin D Supplementation can inhibit the effects of Seasonal Depression, it’s not the only method used to fight this disorder. Light Therapy, also know as Phototherapy, is a proven method in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. Light Therapy uses full spectrum bulbs that mimic the suns natural UV rays. This artificial light source can make up for the loss of natural sunlight.

If you stick to a diet rich in Vitamin D food and use vitamin supplements to reach your recommended daily allowance, you will see a big improvement in your quest to fight Seasonal Depression.