Winter Blues (Part 1): Natural Treatment Approach for Depression

09 Feb Winter Blues (Part 1): Natural Treatment Approach for Depression

By: Dr. Angeli Chitale, ND

You are not alone! In fact, in the months of January and February, most Canadians are affected by some form of mood disorder and 2 million Canadians are diagnosed with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) alone. Thats a population the size of Toronto!

The strength of natural medicine is in prevention and treating conditions early on before they become complicated and severe.

Light Exposure: 

Getting outside for 20 min daily can be a tremendous lift. Here’s why: exposure to light (even if there is no direct sun) helps re-set the pineal gland which is responsible for setting the internal clock.

Tip: Invest in proper winter clothing and walk, jog, hike or play in the snow. Take a pet or friend along. It’s about getting fresh air, natural light, and getting your circulation going.

Or use a light box at dusk and dawn to stimulate the pineal glad to turn melatonin on and off respectively.

Get Proper Rest: 

Turn off your computer 2 hours before bedtime. The blue-wavelenght light from all electronic devices shuts off melatonin production. Indoors, we may spend more time on these devices which disrupts the internal clock at a seasonally vulnerable time for the body.

Have to use them for work? Invest in coloured eyeglasses which block the blue wavelength.

Break the caffeine cycle: 

Poor sleep at night and caffeine consumption by day go hand in hand. Reach for restorative a nutritive plant medicines to calm the nervous system such as

nettles, oat straw or passionflower.  Brew and use instead of caffeine or try this sleepy time brew: Lavender tea with honey.

Steep 1 tsp of lavender flowers for 10-15 minutes to make a strong brew. Lemon and honey to taste. Goodnight!

Meditation as medication: 

Tuning into your inner voice is more in line with the quite and stillness of winter.  Using the breath as an anchor, you can re-set your entire brain. For best results in learning how to, it is best to join a program – some excellent ones are free of cost: www.dhamma.org

_____________________________

Dr. Chitale has been exploring the mind – mood connection through her own personal work since she was a teenager. The tools, insights, resources she bring to patients are from her various work experiences with high-risk women, distress centres as well as the several workshops she has been facilitating since 2000 on mind-body. Dr. Chitale has been active meditator since 1996.