ST. LOUIS — Today on Show Me St. Louis, Mary Caltrider sat down with mental health therapist Claire Welton to discuss exactly what seasonal affective disorder is and the various ways people can help themselves during this time of year. With the colder months people sometimes might experience the winter blues. The sun is missing. Therefore levels of Vitamin D are lower than they should be, and this affects your mood. In general, your body is responsive to amounts of Vitamin D. Some symptoms of depression are a lack of energy, not being interested in usual activities, overeating, sleeping too much, and fatigue in general.
If you are experiencing seasonal depression, one easy way to help yourself is to get your levels of Vitamin D tested and begin taking a Vitamin D supplement if necessary. Another easy trick to help yourself is light therapy. According to Welton, light therapy can help. A light box that you use 30-45 min in the morning can help boost your serotonin. Talk therapy may also help as well. If your depression is more serious, medication may be needed.
For more information you can locate Claire Welton at Crossroads Counseling Center and follow Claire on Instagram - @jesus_andtherapy