Getting Plenty Of Vitamin D To Manage Seasonal Depression NY Local Residents Experience

By Anthony Howard


During winter there's a form of depression that a lot of people tend to experience, and the experts call it SAD. Short for seasonal affective disorder, it can be blamed on things like disruption in the body clock, stress and unhealthy food choices. However, it is believed that the primary cause is failure to obtain vitamin D that the sun provides. It's a good thing that it is possible to get enough of the said nutrient in to deal with seasonal depression NY residents tend to encounter during the coldest months of the year.

Spend more time outside the home. Even on a cloudy day, UV rays given off by the sun can still be enjoyed. It's for this reason why it is a good idea for anyone who is experiencing SAD to regularly step foot outside his or her home. However, between 10 am and 4 pm everyone is encouraged to dodge the sun or apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on exposed areas of the body to fend off sunburns, premature aging signs and skin cancer.

Engage in mood-lifting pursuits by the window. Sitting next to a window facing sun enables one to obtain good amounts of vitamin D. Such is best paired with activities that help beat the blues such as reading a nice paperback novel, listening to some bright and cheery songs, or video calling with family members or friends.

Switch on a light therapy box. Due to the fact that it also emits UV rays just like the sun, the installation of a light therapy box at home is a fantastic idea. This device makes it possible for a person to obtain the mood-stabilizing nutrient even at night. However, extended use of a light therapy box may cause issues such as sunburns, headaches and eye strain. In order to fend off problems, one must carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Add vitamin D-rich foods to the diet. The sun is not the only source of the much-needed vitamin. It can also be obtained from tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and many other oily fish types. Egg yolks, beef liver and chicken liver supply it as well.

Purchase food products that are fortified with it. Nowadays, there are lots of consumables that are fortified with the vitamin. Orange juice and soy milk are some of the best examples. So many manufacturers of breakfast cereals also fortify their goods with the nutrient.

Obtain it in the form of supplement. Just in case enough of the mood-stabilizing nutrient cannot be obtained via the diet, supplementing is a good idea. The vitamin can also be provided by cod liver oil. However, it's recommended for one to consult his or her doctor before popping any supplement in the mouth.

Seek the help of an expert. A person who fails to obtain a lifted mood even after taking the necessary steps is encouraged to step foot inside the office of a mental health authority. Severe cases of SAD usually warrant the intake of medications in order to keep it from worsening and also fend off its complications.




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