When the weather begins to turn cold and there is less daylight to enjoy, it can be common to feel a little sad or frustrated that you are stuck inside. But for many people, this becomes a serious condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder, in which they experience clinical depression only during the winter months. If you suffer from this condition, also known as SAD, it is critical that you take it seriously and seek out proper mental health care – including regular treatment from a Charlotte chiropractor.

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Mental Health

Seasonal Affective Disorder is generally defined as a mood disorder that occurs in certain periods of the year – typically late fall to early winter, though it can also appear in late spring to early summer. During this period, anyone affected by SAD will experience a form of depression that can become serious if left untreated. Anyone can suffer from SAD, though it is often diagnosed in people between 18 and 30 years of age and is more likely to impact women.

The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but it is generally believed that the shorter days and reduced sunlight cause a reduction in serotonin levels. There may also be an impact to the circadian rhythm, and therefore, can cause trouble with sleep. While there is no known cure for SAD, there are a variety of treatments that can help, including the care of a Charlotte chiropractor like Dr. Grant Lisetor.

Holistic Care for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Like any mental health condition, seasonal affective disorder requires proactive and compassionate care. This can often include therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to help manage emotions during winter or all year. Some people may also find it useful to try anti-depressant medication to help manage brain chemistry and improve mental health.

There are also various lifestyle adjustments that can help with SAD symptoms. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, and spending more time in the sun can all be useful tools. Artificial light can also be used in some cases.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

With any mental health struggle, it is important to seek care from mental health professionals like therapists. But alongside that, chiropractic care can also help ease symptoms. When the team at Greater Life Chiropractic performs a spinal adjustment, the goal is to reduce misalignments in the spine and help the central nervous system operate at its highest level of function.

Not only can a well-functioning nervous system help with brain chemistry and communication, but chiropractic adjustments also have other benefits as well. They may improve sleep or reduce muscle spasms that have occurred as a result of stress. The drug-free, non-invasive techniques used in chiropractic care can be beneficial all year, not just when depression strikes.

At Greater Life Chiropractic, our team is devoted to compassionate and holistic care. When you meet with Dr. Grant Lisetor at your initial appointment, you can share any concerns about your mental health without fear of judgment. Don’t hesitate to begin chiropractic care today!  

Sources

Kiani, A.K., et al. “Neurobiological basis of chiropractic manipulative treatment of the spine in the care of major depression.” Acta Biomedica Atenei Parmensis, 2020 Nov 9; 91. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33170171/

Pirek, E., et al. “The Efficacy of Light Therapy in the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 2020; 89(1): 17-24. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31574513/