Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
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Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

The days are short, the cold keeps you indoors, and everyday tasks seem a bit harder than usual. It’s common to feel this way during the winter months. Research shows that over 10 million Americans struggle with seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

 

Seasonal depression often goes untreated for many reasons. One, you might tell yourself that “it’s only temporary.” Two, you might not want to start taking prescription medications, which come with unpleasant side effects. Three, you might not feel motivated to take action because of the depression.

 

However, you deserve to live your best life even during winter months. Managing seasonal depression might seem daunting at first, but there is hope! You’ve come to the right place for simple, natural ways to treat seasonal depression.

 

What is seasonal depression?

Seasonal depression involves feelings of sadness, lethargy, and purposelessness caused by the changing of the seasons. Many people will point to the shorter days as the main contributor to seasonal depression. The body needs sunlight in order to produce nutrients and maintain energy levels. However, lack of sunlight isn’t the only factor at play. 

 

Winter can strain your emotional and mental health for the following reasons:

 

  1. The body cannot absorb enough sunlight to maintain proper energy levels.
  2. Cold, dark days make it difficult to participate in outdoor activities.
  3. More time indoors leads to more screen time, which can negatively affect mental health.
  4. Colds and the flu can place added strain on your body.
  5. Holidays can cause loneliness and bring up difficult memories related to trauma.

 

What is a natural approach to seasonal depression treatment?

Many doctors and psychiatrists will prescribe antidepressants and mood-altering drugs to treat seasonal depression. While these medications can be effective, they often leave patients struggling with severe side effects. It can also be challenging to get off these medications once Spring and Summer come around. At Five Journeys, we do not believe in prescribing pharmaceuticals without first trying natural treatments. A few natural lifestyle changes and interventions are usually all it takes to get you feeling happier and more energetic.

 

Here are five natural approaches to treating seasonal depression. 

1. Natural Light Therapy

Your body creates Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, without sunlight, your body won’t be able to get the resources it needs. You’ll be left feeling sluggish and depressed. But did you know you can buy special lamps that simulate sunlight? Your body won’t know the difference, and you’ll be feeling better in no time.

2. Exercise

Physical activity releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins. During winter, exercise levels often decrease due to cold temperatures and snowy weather. It’s just harder to get to the gym and sometimes impossible to go for a morning jog.

If you’re experiencing seasonal depression, one treatment idea is to increase your time spent exercising. You’ll feel stronger, more energized, and more confident! Work with a functional medicine doctor at Five Journeys to develop a personalized exercise routine. 

3. IV Therapy

You might not have heard about IV therapy before, but it might just be the fastest way to overcome seasonal depression. Five Journeys offers a number of natural treatments that can reverse the effects of winter blues. For example, our Energy Booster infusion is packed with B Vitamins, helps boost energy levels, and decreases fatigue. 

IV therapy is effective because it delivers much-needed supplements straight into your bloodstream. This safe, cost-effective service is much more efficient than a pill or topical ointment.

4. Talk Therapy

Five Journeys believes healing is rooted in a holistic view of the person. Seasonal depression isn’t just a physical condition; it’s mental and emotional too. That’s why talk therapy should be part of a natural seasonal depression treatment plan. 

While you may benefit from visiting your own talk therapist specialist, the physicians at Five Journeys will prioritize your emotional well-being while we treat your physical ailments. We care about who you are and how you connect with yourself, the world, and the people around you.

5. Proper Diet

Your gut affects your entire body. Diet is about much more than gaining or losing weight. The food you eat will affect your immune system and mental health since all of these systems are closely connected. 

For example, you may eat more gluten-based foods when you’re feeling depressed. If you have a gluten allergy, your body will begin to suffer from inflammation as it tries to reject the toxins. This inflammation and discomfort will more than likely affect your mental health and you’ll feel burdened with brain fog and mood swings.

Consult with a nutritionist and discover how a new diet can be a natural treatment for seasonal depression.

Let’s work together to manage your seasonal depression.

 

At Five Journeys, we seek to treat the root cause of your health issues. We won’t prescribe a pharmaceutical as a quick fix to your seasonal depression. Instead, we will take the time to listen to your needs and experiences. This way, you receive a custom treatment plan that works for your body.

 

Through natural light therapy, exercise, IV therapy, talk therapy, diet, and other interventions, you can find freedom from winter sadness and fatigue. 

 

Reach out to the team at Five Journeys today for a free consultation.

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Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test looks for the inappropriate presence of bacteria in the small intestine known as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth or “SIBO”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

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Breath

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

COST

$85-$225 depending on insurance coverage. 

Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At Home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$699

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. Repeat test prices $249

Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the genetic profile for multiple health indicators. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood Spot

COST

$319

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted

COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS

Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This company can test for lyme, babesia, bartonella and additional tick-borne illnesses. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

around $1600 (depends on panel selected)

INSURANCE

Fully covered by Medicare. May be reimbursed with PPO plans.
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of harmful mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds).

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$299

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates a wide range of environmental toxins that may be leading to harmful health effects.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$199

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins.
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Blood work for blood count, urinalysis and vitamin levels.

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BLOOD FLUID

Blood

NOTES

You often have to fast for these tests-please check your providers notes.

COST

Depending on the test, deductible or copay may apply.

INSURANCE

Depends on insurance coverage, deductible or copay may apply.
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

Glyphosate (“Round Up”) is a pesticide that is widely used and this test indicates the body’s levels.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Glutathione for 1 week, then bath or sauna.

COST

$99 ($69 if performed with mycotoxins or environmental toxins).

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted $30 discount given if done with mycotoxins or GPL Tox.
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates many measures including micronutrients, antioxidants, minerals, detox, overview of gut function, omegas and toxic exposure. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home.

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

$179 – $400

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

INSTRUCTIONS

Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the gut function and indicates microbiome balance, overgrowth, infection, inflammation, parasites and digestive efficacy. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Stool

COST

$179-$425 depending on insurance coverage.

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

No probiotics for one week.

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the full menstrual cycle, female hormones, and adrenal profile.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Urine

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$160-$329

INSURANCE

Depending on insurance coverage. Fully covered by Medicare.

NOTES

Must be off hormones in order to do the testing.
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is specifically for a tick-borne illness called “Bartonella”.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

BLOOD FLUID

Blood

COST

$260

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test evaluates the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals stored in the body.  Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

SPECIMEN TYPE

Urine

COST

Testing: $79 x2 paid to Doctor’s Data
DMSA: $38 paid to Johnson’s Compounding Pharmacy

INSURANCE

Not covered by Insurance
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test measures saliva cortisol testing throughout the course of one day and informs us where there might be an adrenal imbalance.

LOCATION PERFORMED

At home

BLOOD FLUID

Saliva

COST

$80

INSURANCE

No insurance coverage

Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression
Five Natural Ways to Treat Seasonal Depression

WHY DO WE DO THIS TEST?

This test is designed to look at food sensitivities (IgG immune responses). It is available in both a 99 or 184 panel. Click here for more information.

LOCATION PERFORMED

In office

SPECIMEN TYPE

Blood

COST

$129-238

INSURANCE

No insurance accepted