Seasonal affective disorder symptoms explained

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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) only officially impacts about three percent of Brits, but most of us get a bit gloomy in the winter. Now the clocks have gone back, the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder and less accommodating – this can lead to low mood, mood swings, stress and anxiety. Not sure how to get out of this funk? Express.co.uk chatted to aromatherapy expert Rachael Holgate from Mood Oils to find out how to beat SAD with one affordable thing.

Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms start in the autumn or winter and won’t improve until the spring, dragging people through months of depression.

The disorder can cause a persistent low mood, a loss of pleasure or interest in normal activities, irritability, despair, worthlessness, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, and more.

A person experiencing SAD may also feel lethargic, sleep lots more, have an increased appetite but a decreased sex drive, and be less active than usual.

All of these things combined lead to a physically and mentally unhealthy person and indicate a need for medical or holistic help.

If you’ve already consulted your GP or medical practitioner about SAD but you’re looking for an extra way to combat the winter blues, you could consider aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is the holistic practice of using essential oils for healing purposes.

According to the founder of Mood Oils, Rachael Holgate, you can use essential oils to help lift your mood, improve your focus and calm your anxieties linked to SAD.

You can’t just pick any oils though; the aromatherapy expert has suggested the four oils that will be most beneficial.

Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot is an all-around mood booster, so it’s perfect for anyone experiencing winter blues or SAD.

Rachael said: “It is the citrus superhero and is often used in aromatherapy to boost mood, to level out blends and is commonly used in the holistic treatment of depression.

“It’s also thought to help the brain release serotonin, the happy hormone – which is thought to be lower for people suffering from SAD.”

A gorgeous fragrance with mood-boosting attributes, this oil is aromatherapy gold and a staple in any household.

The expert suggested using six to 18 drops of bergamot essential oil to your diffuser or oil burner.

She said: “This will help to release the citrus fragrance, allowing you to inhale this uplifting oil.”

Patchouli Essential Oil

Patchouli is a meditative and happy healing oil that could help to cheer you up.

Rachael said: “People either love patchouli oil or loathe it. It has a woody, resinous yet floral fragrance and is often referred to as the ‘hippy oil’ because it was so commonly used in meditation practice when meditation wasn’t a modern ‘normal’ thing.

“Overall, it is a great oil to help lift the mood and, like bergamot, is thought to calm the nervous system.

“It also helps to release serotonin, giving those happy vibes a helping hand.”

Rachael recommends inhaling a subtle blend of patchouli oils rather than sticking it in a diffuser.

She said: “Try taking a mindful inhale of our Gr-Attitude Oil from your palms to help calm the nervous system and lift the spirits, the blend of patchouli essential oils is designed to support the balance of our mood.”

Rose Essential Oil

Rose essential oil is thought of as the goddess of essential oils because it has long been associated with “feminine energy and reducing stress”.

According to Rachael, the natural calming scent is thought to aid depression and soothe the nervous system to help calm irritability and boost your mood.

The aromatherapy expert said: “Embrace some self-love and opt for a rose-based bath oil or body lotion to mindfully restore your senses, calm your body and ease your tension.”

Lavender

Lavender is great for inducing sleep, calming anxiety and works as a bit of a sedative.

Rachael said: “For those struggling with sleep, lavender is the go-to oil. With SAD, people can often struggle with insomnia and energy levels so making sure your sleep care is high on the agenda is key.

“Lavender Oil is still believed to help reduce anxieties, calm the nervous system and help relax the body into a sleep state – it’s perfect for those wrestling with the nighttime.”

Try a lavender essential oil pillow spray or drop some lavender essential oil onto your duvet to allow the scent to help you drift off on those nights when you’re struggling.

Rachael said: “Combine it with a lavender, rose or clary sage blended bath oil before bed…and fingers crossed you’ll be heading off to an easy slumber in no time.”

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