Natural ways to overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

...About SAD...

SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression, summer blues, or seasonal depression, is a type of mood disorder, in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year, experience depressive symptoms in the winter and summer.  This disorder is triggered by changes in season. 

In the popular culture, sometimes the term "seasonal affective disorder" is applied inaccurately to the normal shift to lower energy levels in winter, leading people to believe they have a physical problem that should be addressed with various therapies or drugs.

According to the American Psychiatric Association DSM-IV criteria,Seasonal Affective Disorder is not regarded as a separate disorder. It is called a "course specifier" and may be applied as an added description to the pattern of major depressive episodes in patients with major depressive disorder or patients with bipolar disorder.

...Causes of SAD...

• Disruption of the Circadian Rhythm
• Increased Melatonin
• Serotonergic dysfunction

...Symptoms of SAD...

• Anxiety
• Oversleeping
• Overeating, especially a craving for carbohydrates, which leads to weight gain.
• Lethargic (lack of energy)
• Decreased sex drive
• Social isolation (Withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities)   
• Difficulty concentrating on or completing tasks, 

...Natural Treatment of SAD...

There are many different treatments for classic (winter-based) seasonal affective disorder, including light therapy with sunlight or bright lights, antidepressant medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, ionized-air administration,and carefully timed supplementation of the hormone melatonin.

• Vitamins
Vitamin D;
Food Sources; Supplements; Drops, Capsules

• Herbs
St. John's wort

• Light Therapy

Article by Life Coach, NicaKan
*As i am NOT a doctor this article is based on a personal opinion shared to possibly give an idea of where to start researching and some ideas on alternative natural healing methods. Please, always do your research and seek advise from your medical doctor first.

References
• Wikipedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_affective_disorder 
• So you wanna blog, Seasonal Affective Disorder; http://www.soyouwanna.com/seasonal-affective-disorder/