My client grew up in Southern California.
Because it is so far south of her current home in Washington State, she was used to having sunlight even on the shortest day of the year at least until nearly five p.
m.
Now, it sets around three.
That's quite a difference.
There is also the difference in climate.
She could often go out in shirt sleeves or even shorts during the winter.
Now, it's parkas and snow boots.
She could handle the changes, but noticed that the lack of light was beginning to affect her moods.
She is how I know that a tanning bed actually can have a positive affect on SAD (Seasonal Affectedness Disorder).
She had a ten minute session and immediately felt better.
There's only one tiny, little problem with making use of this treatment...
the threat of skin cancer.
A better bet would be light therapy.
There are places scattered around the Northern states as well as Canada for those who experience this menace.
Regular house lights won't do the trick.
The brightness has to be as near that of natural sunlight as possible.
If that isn't available in your area, you may want to consider some herbal alternatives.
Because it is a form of depression, St.
John's Wort might be a good idea.
It is helpful for mild to moderate levels of the disorder.
Chamomile, jasmine, lavender and passionflower may be beneficial as well.
Before choosing a therapy, I suggest a trip to your doctor.
First, you want to make sure that's what you are suffering from.
Self diagnosis and self prescribing isn't a good idea for anyone.
Second, if you have any known medical conditions, the herbs could interact with medications for it and could make the condition worse.
As an example, those taking medications for heart disease should avoid St.
John's Wort.
It interacts with quite a few of them.
If you do choose to use these natural remedies, find out how they affect you before you drive or operate heavy machinery.
They all tend to cause drowsiness, so an accident could happen.