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October And Seasonal Affective Disorder.




Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder subset in which people who typically have normal mental health throughout most of the year, exhibit symptoms of depression at the same time each year. It is commonly, but not always, associated with the reductions or increases in total daily sunlight hours that occur during the summer and winter.

The signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with depression as well as disorder-specific symptoms that differ for winter-pattern versus summer-pattern SAD.

Not every person with SAD experiences all the symptoms listed below. Learn about signs and symptoms of depression.


Symptoms of depression can include:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks

  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

  • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness

  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities

  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

  • Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes

  • Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment

  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include:

  • Oversleeping (hypersomnia)

  • Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain

  • Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)

For summer-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include:

  • Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

  • Poor appetite, leading to weight loss

  • Restlessness and agitation

  • Anxiety

  • Violent or aggressive behaviour


Winter-pattern SAD should not be confused with “holiday blues”—feelings of sadness or anxiety brought on by stresses at certain times of the year. The depression associated with SAD is related to changes in daylight hours, not the calendar, so stresses associated with the holidays or predictable seasonal changes in work or school schedules, family visits, and so forth are not the same as SAD.


This normally affects 7% of the population in the six months between October and April.

Here are 3 health hacks to help you bypass October sadness and head into winter feeling refreshed and revitalised:

  1. Increase your consumption of dark leafy greens. By doing so you will increase your body levels of Magnesium. This is a very important element for the promoting a healthy level of immunity

  2. Exercise. Now this means different things to different people, and in no way are we recommending your Aunty Gladice become marathon runner- unless that is her goal. The goal is to simply get up and get moving and to raise your heart rate. Once a day is nice but twice a day is brilliant. Doing exercises outdoor not only raises your body’s level of endorphins but also gets you breathing fresh air and getting in touch with nature. This can never be a bad thing.

  3. SAD, like other types of depression, is associated with disturbances in serotonin activity. And increasing one’s level of serotonin can result in a reduction in the risk of SAD. Serotonin is a chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, that helps to transmit signals between nerve cells. It is primarily found in the brain, intestines, and blood platelets. This neurotransmitter is responsible for regulating various functions in the body, including mood, sleep, appetite, and even digestion. When serotonin levels are balanced, we experience feelings of happiness, well-being, and contentment. However, when levels are low, it can lead to mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and even insomnia. This is where soursop comes in. Soursop, also known as graviola, is a tropical fruit that has gained popularity for its health benefits. This unique fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable addition to any diet. But what sets soursop apart is its potential to boost serotonin levels and stabilize mood. The nutritional composition of soursop plays a significant role in its mood-stabilizing effects. It contains essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium, which are all essential for the production and regulation of serotonin in the brain. By consuming soursop, you can naturally increase serotonin levels, leading to improved mood and overall mental well-being.

Try some concentrated Soursop powder from our online Etsy store today: www.etsy.com/shop/Swiftsoursop?ref=dashboard-headerand

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