I Am Sad #2

One of the byproducts of winter is less sun light. Less sun light paired with cooler climates and warmer cloths results in less sun light contacting our skin. Less sunlight on the skin means less vitamin D production in the body. Most Americans are Vitamin D deficient. I will write a post just on Vitamin D soon, but for now we will say that the D stands for depression and if you are deficient you are more prone to depression symptoms.

This does not mean you should risk hypothermia sun sun bath in the winter. Studies have also shown that even if you got enough sun exposure in the winter, the lower angle of the sun in the sky during winter months means its rays are less effective in aiding our skin from producing D.

My naturopath put me on 5000 ius of vitamin D daily. And boy do I feel a difference. I am pale. This means two things. 1 My body probably is very efficient at producing Vitamin D (some studies have shown that fairer skinned people's bodies are more efficient at producing D than people with darker complexions). 2 I also cover up with clothing or sun block in the warmer months. So even when it is nice outside there is still an artificial barrier between my skin and the sun.

I have found vitamin D supplementation to have really shifted my energy level and has made tackling the cold months and easier proposition. Another way to treat SAD is with light therapy. I have not experimented with this yet, but I have heard great reviews for light therapy. Using "full spectrum" lights have shown to reduce the symptoms of SAD.

If you or someone you know shows signs of SAD in the winter months, have them speak to their health professional and see if some of these treatments are a good fit for them.