Beat BACK the Fall Blues (No Drugs Required!)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted October 24, 2023
“I’m dreading the fall. I feel like I always start to get depressed this time of year. Is that normal?”
– Kathy from Boston, MA
Hi Kathy,
The colorful leaves and cool breezes of fall might sound picture-perfect, but for many the new season ushers in feelings of melancholy and isolation.
As the days get shorter and cold weather sets in, some find their mood takes a nosedive. Add the holiday season to the mix—and the stressful emotional baggage it often brings—and it’s no surprise that seasonal depression rears its head.
But there are proactive ways to fend off the fall blues. And it doesn’t require turning to Big Pharma’s risky (and often ineffective) antidepressants.
The most likely culprit for your mood dampening is a lack of sunshine.
You, like most people in the United States, live too far north to get the optimal amount of sunshine in the fall and winter.
I often advise my patients to try fixing this by getting a full-spectrum light-therapy lamp and using it often during the day. These affordable lamps are available at Amazon and other online retailers
The next consideration is vitamin D—which is directly related to sun exposure, of course.
Vitamin D is created when sunshine strikes our skin. So, for people who struggle with seasonal depression it’s a good idea to get your vitamin D levels tested and then supplement enough to lift them if they’re low.
But don’t stop there. While the idea of exercising as the cold winds blow outside may not sound appealing, exercise is a tried and true cure for depression.
In fact, I wrote about this link earlier this year. If you missed that issue, CLICK HERE to catch up.
When you battle seasonal blues, you should try to move your body more all fall and winter long.
But don’t worry. There’s no need to go outside on a frigid jog. You can easily find some light exercises to do in the comfort of your own home. There are plenty of free videos on YouTube to guide you.
And, since this happens every year, try to make an extra effort to do things you know are likely to life your mood such as making your house extra cozy, going on coffee dates with friends, or planning a vacation.
With just a little bit of effort, you can take charge of your mental health this season.
P.S. You’re NOT alone if you struggle with feeling blue. But it turns out the state of the world…or your own personal problems… might not be the ONLY thing triggering your depression. In fact, it could be what’s on your DINNER plate. Get the details here.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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