During the dark season, many people experience seasonal depressive moods known as winter depression. These can also be accompanied by ravenous appetite instead of loss of appetite and increased sleep instead of difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. The solution: plenty of exercise, light, a healthy diet and appropriate vital nutrients!

Gloomy weather and dark rainy autumn afternoons hit the mood of many people. The term that has come to be used for this is winter depression. According to the Stiftung Deutsche Depressionshilfe (German Depression Aid Foundation): "We speak of seasonal depression (also called winter depression) when symptoms of a depressive episode appear exclusively and repeatedly at a certain time of year, typically in the fall and winter. In addition to the classic symptoms of depression, atypical symptoms such as ravenous appetite instead of loss of appetite and increased sleep instead of difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep occur."

And Deutsche Familienversicherung writes about winter depression: "About nine percent of the German population suffers from winter depression, with women being affected three times more frequently than men. The depressive mood mostly occurs around the age of 30. Winter depression is observed less frequently at older ages. People tend to experience this form of depression especially in more northern regions of Europe, where winters are longer and darker. For example, seasonal depressive moods are hardly known in southern Mediterranean countries, while they are more common in Scandinavia than in Germany."

Light therapy is particularly effective for seasonal depression

Depressive moods are caused not least by a lack of light. Many studies indicate that light therapy is particularly effective for seasonal depression. According to Mainz University Hospital, light therapy is an established procedure for treating depression. "Light therapy is performed with a light therapy device (light therapy lamp), which emits white light in which the UV component is filtered out. The illuminance is usually 10,000 lux. The daily therapy duration is about 30 minutes. Treatment should be administered in the morning, preferably promptly after rising." On efficacy, it says, "Most studies demonstrate efficacy in so-called seasonal depression, which is a subset of recurrent depressive disorder that follows a seasonal pattern. Typically, affected individuals experience an onset of depressive symptoms during low-light seasons [...] Efficacy rates range from 60 to 90% after two to three weeks of treatment. Most patients experience symptom regression within the first week of treatment [...]"

In addition to seasonal low mood, patients may also experience lack of drive and increased fatigue in winter. These symptoms may indicate hyperacidity of the body. This is because, especially in winter, we have too little exercise, too little fresh air and too many acid-forming foods such as sweets, mulled wine or bratwurst in our daily lives. A blood cleansing cure in early autumn can prevent winter depression in this case. Thus, slags and waste products are discharged from the body, which would otherwise hinder the detoxification organs in their work. The medicinal herb mixture consists of dandelion herb, field horsetail herb, nettle leaves, birch leaves and rosehip fruits and is best taken as a tea three times a day for a period of four to six weeks.

CBD has proven effectiveness in combating winter depression

In addition, a diet rich in minerals is recommended, especially iron, calcium and magnesium should be supplied in sufficient quantities. Iron is necessary for blood formation and increases vitality and zest for life. It is found especially in rose hips, lentils, raisins, grapes or red cabbage. Potassium is one of the essential minerals and is important for optimal liver function. It is found in pears, plums, carrots, potatoes, kale, soybeans, peanuts and hazelnuts. Magnesium, on the other hand, is considered a mineral for stress reduction and counteracts an imbalance in the acid-base balance. It is abundant in soybeans, oats, white beans and lentils, as well as coconuts, cucumbers and radishes.

Likewise, natural cannabidiol (CBD), the healthy part of the cannabis plant, has proven its effectiveness in combating winter depression. You can't get out of bed in the morning on a dull and cold day and don't feel like starting the new day with all its planned obligations? Every single movement takes an incredible amount of inner strength and overcoming? Then the combination of high-quality cannabis sativa extract, vitamin C and vitamin B6 and the other natural vital substances manganese, zinc and folic acid can provide relief. This power formula contributes to normal mental function as well as normal functioning of the nervous system, reduces tiredness and fatigue, and helps regulate hormonal activity, which is also important for our well-being.

By the way: last but not least, regardless of the weather, make sure to get enough exercise in the fresh air. Because light and air can drive away sadness and support the body in becoming active.

* This text may contain translation errors as the translation was performed by an online translation tool.