Chase away seasonal affective disorder with aromatherapy

It strikes again. I recognize the signs. I turn off my alarm and continue to lie awake in bed for hours. And take a shower? That’s so, so hard to do. Because I have trouble getting out of bed. Normally, a shower is my first treat of the day. It cleanses, fortifies and equips me to handle any challenge that comes my way.

What has hit me? Seasonal affective disorder. This is a form of depression which becomes worse during the darker winter months because of the shortening daylight hours. One day I feel fine and then the next, lousy. Really lousy.

Research suggests that seasonal affective disorder may respond to a nutritional approach. The sun’s rays stimulate the production of vitamin D in the skin. This nutrient plays key roles in the brain. Scientists have done tests to find out whether vitamin D might help lift the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

In one such study just five days of treatment with vitamin D, at a dose of 400 or 800 international units (IU) per day, was found to improve winter mood. In another piece of research, the mood of people who suffered with seasonal affective disorder improved more in individuals treated with a single dose of 100,000 IU of vitamin D than in those treated with light therapy. More evidence for the potential of vitamin D to alleviate seasonal affective disorder came from research published in 2004. In this study, individuals were treated with either 600 or 4,000 IU of vitamin D each day for at least six months. Both dosages of vitamin D led to improvements in the participants’ mood and general well-being. But those on the higher dose of vitamin D benefited the most.

I open my fridge. That bums me out. My trusty bottle of vitamin D oil is empty! I do have a backup treatment plan. But I’m not even motivated to try it out. That’s how badly seasonal affective disorder affects me.

But lying around in bed till the early afternoon for a couple of weeks does nothing for my self-esteem or productivity. So I finally reach into the kitchen cupboard for my backup plan—a bottle of essential oil of lavender which my brother, David, has bought me. I get my ceramic pinch pot which I’ve made at the studio, place a cotton ball in it and then pour a few drops of the precious oil on the cotton ball. And all day while I’m working at the computer, I inhale the beautiful fragrant lavender oil.

And you know what? The very next morning I feel better. So much better that I get out of bed at 8:30—instead of 12:00 or 12:30. Quite an improment, huh? Aromatherapy has helped me chase away the seasonal affective disorder.

How does aromatherapy work? Essential oils can stimulate specific areas of the brain to release serotonin and help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

A 2006 study investigating the effects of lavender fragrance on sleep and depression, published in the Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi Journal, revealed that lavender fragrance had a beneficial effect on insomnia and depression in female college students.

There are different ways of using aromatherapy:

Cosmetic Aromatherapy
We can take long soaks in luxuriously scented hot baths, but remember that extreme heat destroys the properties of the oils. So the water should be a comfortable temperature. We can also combine essential oils and apply to our hair, feet, face, skin and body. This may recharge us.

Massage Aromatherapy
Seasonal affective disorder may leave us feeling sluggish and unmotivated (as it did in my case). Aromatic oils combined with massage touch help to relax and rejuvenate the body.

Olfactory Aromatherapy
Olfactory aromatherapy is the most effective way to stimulate the brain and limbic system. We can spray distilled water mixed with natural essential oils into the air. Using aromatherapy equipment (aroma lamps and room sprays), we can also disperse essential oils into the environment. And, of course, we can apply the quick and dirty method I used—place a couple of drops of oil on a cotton ball.

A note of caution: Buy 100% pure products made from plants with no added synthetic substances. Look for natural and organic essential oils. It’s best to use oils bottled in opaque (dark) glass, and steer clear of oils that do not list both the common and Latin botanical name.

Oh, a sidebar: I’ve been inhaling lavender oil for the last two days. But this morning, I was wide awake at 4:30 a.m. So I’m writing this post at dawn. You can’t win ‘em all.

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Sources:
http://www.drbriffa.com/2004/10/03/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
http://www.positivehealth.com/article/aromatherapy/aromatherapy-for-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad