Seasonal Affective Disorder - Hypnotherapy

Does SAD spoil your winter? - Mandy Papas explainsThe clocks turn back...an extra hour in bed in the morning....but the days are over so quickly...going home from work in the dark, the wind gets colder, your mood and energy levels drop, you lose your appetite, you lose interest in activities you usually enjoy and you begin to feel more depressed and worthless.....if this sounds like you….well you could be suffering with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).SAD is a type of seasonal depression that affects approximately 7% of the UK population. The cause is not fully known although it is thought to be linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter months and shorter days. Sunlight can affect the brain’s chemicals and hormones.Our brain produces two important chemicals in our bodies – Melatonin and Serotonin.  When it gets dark and we begin to feel sleepy we produce Melatonin and people who suffer with SAD tend to produce higher doses of Melatonin.Serotonin helps us to feel happy, motivated and to maintain a healthy state of mind. It has a huge effect on our mood and behaviour. It also affects our appetite, sleeping pattern, memory and learning ability. As the days get shorter, we produce less Serotonin and people with depression, including SAD produce much lower levels of Serotonin.Did you know that hypnotherapy can help alleviate SAD symptoms effectively as it helps stimulate Serotonin. Using positive suggestion, guided visualisation and reframing negative thoughts, it can create a wonderful sense of well being and control in your life. Hypnotherapy affects the Hypothalamus, which is located at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus controls the flow of hormones in the body and is sensitive to stress and depression and controls our moods, appetite and sleep. It turns emotional messages into physical responses within the body, affecting our physical wellbeing. Hypnotherapy helps to reduce emotional stress, tension and to get everything in balance.Tips for dealing with SAD

• Exercise outdoors

Research shows that a daily 1-hour walk outdoors can be as effective as light treatment for coping with winter blues. The body releases endorphins, making us feel good; stress and depression are reduced as well as the obvious benefits of exercising. Research has shown that exercise is an effective but often underused treatment for mild to moderate depression.

• Keep warm

If you suffer with the winter blues, feeling cold can aggravate this so dress warmly, eat warm, hearty winter meals and drink comforting warm drinks. 

• Eat healthily

Eat warm hearty meals that sustain you. Balance carbohydrates with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Vitamin D can help too.

• Consider Light Therapy

Light therapy can be effective in up to 85% of SAD cases. Light boxes give out light that is 10 times stronger than normal home lighting. Consult your doctor for further details.

• Keep in touch with friends and family

Make an effort to keep in touch with people that make you feel good and can support you.

• Set yourself a goal/ start a new hobby

Keep your mind active – something to look forward to and set yourself a challenge.

• Join a support group

Consider joining SADA (http://www.sada.org.uk/) – the UK’s only registered charity. It gives you information, regular newsletters and discounts on light boxes.

• Consider therapy

Holistic therapies such as hypnotherapy are a safe and natural approach to dealing with symptoms of SAD and the positive benefits can be seen in all areas of your life. To find out more about how Mandy Papas, our Hypnotherapist can help you with any symptoms of SAD, please contact our friendly reception team or visit http://www.pyou.co.uk/Our friend Ailsa from nestmaven.com has written an impressive article about SAD and how it can be managed. For her take on this topic click here.