Seasonal Affective Disorder as the name suggests causes depression during the cold winter months. Though in most cases anti depressants are used to cure the disorder; the drugs are not very effective as they are meant to cure normal depression. There are several alternative forms of treatment that you can use to cure the depression and they are very effective.

Light therapy is a popular form of treatment. In the winter months there is lack of sunlight and this is one of the major reasons that people get gloomy. This happens because the amount of sunlight has a huge impact on our brain. This is the reason why light therapy is effective in curing the depression. A special light box is made and 15 to 20 minutes of exposure to this light helps to reduce the depression by 75%.

There are several herbal remedies that help to lift depressed feelings as well. St. John’s Wart is known to be effective as an herbal anti depressant. If you take it for extended periods of time then it is extremely effective. It ensures that you get good rest at night and thus helps to ease depression. Since it is an herb it does not have any side effects and thus it is extremely beneficial. It is known to affect other medications though and hence you must avoid taking them without consulting with your doctor.

Psychotherapy is another very beneficial form of therapy. Though most people are not in favor of this form of therapy; one must remember that is the form of treatment that you benefit the most from. In this form of treatment you receive tools to deal with your mood swings and emotional imbalances. You can use this to alter your behaviors and emotions.

You must also learn to manage your diet. Most people tend to over eat during winter and this could lead to SAD. You must ensure that you avoid over eating and eat a healthy balanced diet in order to be able to improve your emotional balance.

Regular exercising like a 20 minutes walk will help to improve moods and get rid of any sort of depression. Exercising helps to release endorphins and this helps to reduce stress and elevate the mood.