Fighting Holiday Blues & Seasonal Depression

Do the shorter days affect your mood? Do you find that it is difficult to get up in the morning for a number of reasons? You're definitely not alone when it comes to seasonal depression as it effects so many people during the winter seasons.

I felt that it is important to also mention the importance of our mental health during the holiday season. This year is specifically more concerning in light of the fact that the US economy and cost of living has been front and center in our lives. What we were “used to” spending for a monthly budget has ended.

This has led to families re-prioritizing their spending and living with less because we are spending more on our daily necessities. I know I don’t have to point this out, but it has led to an acceleration of mental health issues in a society that unfortunately doesn’t have tools in place to handle the number of patients seeking assistance.

We have all probably heard of “Seasonal” Depression (Seasonal Affect Disorder or SAD) that some struggle with autumn and winter primarily for a host of many reasons. It is thought that the “darker” daylight hours leads to a drop in serotonin, the “happy” brain chemical. This affects the mood. Low Vitamin D levels are also common with SAD patients. Other possible causes may be that the holidays are simply a stressful time or may evoke a memory that acts as a “triggering” event for someone. Symptoms might include a lack of energy, poor sleep pattern, lack of interest, excessive sleep, and perhaps weight gain too.

Whatever the reason for SAD, it is important to be mindful of this for yourself, family members, and friends and take measures to avoid symptoms. Garden Root Remedy offers many products to help mitigate SAD symptoms and improve overall health and wellness.

Our tincture “Happy Happy Joy Joy” helps prevent and treat most symptoms of depression. “Stressed Out” brings calm and clear thinking back into one's life. “Quiet the Mind” & “Simply Sleepy” help manage a restful sleep and reduces anxiety associated with a poor sleep pattern. I would encourage you to reach out for questions on products or schedule a consultation for a full and thorough evaluation.

I would not recommend stopping any current mental health medications in lieu of these products. Open communication with your health care provider is essential. I also want to stress that if you or someone you know if suffering with a mental health crisis that you refer to 988 suicide and life crisis line. https://988lifeline.org/

Be Well & Take Care!

Maria Nasta, MSN, FNP-C

Owner, Clinical Herbalist

"Rooted in Nature, Blooming with Wellness."

Originally published: December 22, 2022