Up to one in 20 people are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of depression occurs from late autumn to early spring, and is thought to be caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus gland due to the lack of stimulation from sunlight.
Why am I SAD?
SAD can affect people of any age, but usually starts when you are in the age range of 18-30. Symptoms include sleep problems, depression, lethargy, over-eating, anxiety, mood changes and loss of libido. SAD also causes a weakened immune system, making a person more prone to other illnesses and infections. Phototherapy, using bright lights, is the most common form of treatment for SAD, helping to offset many of the problems, but aromatherapy can be used to help alleviate the symptoms as well.
How to Blend Oils for Treating SAD
All of these blends are for 35ml base oil an can be used in the bath, oil burner or on your pulse points.
Top Note
Middle Note
Base Note
Lack of energy due to SAD
2 drops peppermint
2 drops aniseed
4 drops lavender
2 drops ginger
Emotional problems due to SAD
3 drops orange
3 drops clove
3 drops cinnamon
1 drop jasmine
Eating problems due to SAD
3 drops pine
2 drops rose
2 drops carnation
3 drops neroli
General SAD combating tonic
2 drops bergamot
3 drops petitgrain
2 drops rosemary
3 drops benzoin
Remedies for SAD
Discover a range of treatments that you can sue to combat the emotional, physical and spiritual debilitations elicited by this condition.
Lack of Energy
SAD can result in disturbed sleep, resulting in problems waking up on time an lethargy. This can make a person feel fatigued and unable to function normally.
Having a Bad Day
This can seriously affect your performance during the day, whether you are at work or in the comfort of your own home.
To make yourself feel better, a few drops of the 'lack of energy' blend should be placed on the pillow every night to help reduce sleep disturbance.
It should be used whenever bathing, and burned in an oil burner to keep the environment fresh and stimulating. For work, wear the oil on the pulse points, especially on the neck and on the wrists.
Emotional Problems
Depression, anxiety, mood swings and irritability in social circumstances are all symptoms that can affect a person suffering with SAD.
Healing Blend
All of these symptoms serve to alienate a person experiencing SAD, making them withdraw and worsening their condition. A small bottle of the 'emotional problems' blend should be carried, a a balm made, to be inhaled whenever negative emotions begin to set it. This can also be worn as a perfume when you need to use the blend's healing effects in a social situation. Using this blend for foot baths and compresses, as well as in a bath, can help remove a lot of anxiety and improve your mood.
Eating Problems
People who experience SAD can develop cravings for food that is high in carbohydrates and sugar, which can result in significant weight gain. If this is combined with other symptoms such as depression and anxiety, a negative self-image can result, leading to even more problems.
Effective Treatment
Apply the 'eating problems' blend to the pulse points on your wrist to help suppress your appetite. Try putting some of the blend on your pillow so you do not wake up feeling hungry in the middle of the night. Use it in a vaporiser in the room where you eat, to help reduce your craving.
Combating SAD
SAD can also cause a loss of interest in sex and intimate contact, which can lead to relationship problems.
Oil Usage
as SAD is an ongoing problem that can last for some months, the blends need to be used as regularly as possible to help keep the negative symptoms at bay. Massage is a particularly good way to apply the SAD-combating tonic blend, as it gives the body, emotions and mind a chance to relax and also stimulates the body to feel better, encouraging the cardiovascular system to become more active.