Do you Feel SAD in the Winter? COLOUR THERAPY Can Help!

During this time of the year when the clocks go back and days are shorter, many people suffer from low energy levels, lack motivation to do everyday tasks, and generally feel SAD.

What is SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression caused by lack of natural sunlight, which mainly affects people of colour because of our MELANIN.

Symptoms of SAD can include:

A persistent low mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in normal everyday activities
Irritability
Feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
Feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
Going to bed much earlier than normal yet finding it hard to get up in the morning
Comfort eating and gaining weight

What Causes SAD?

According to the NHS website, ‘the main theory is that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the ‘hypothalamus’ (also known as the Pineal Gland) from working properly. The ‘hypothalamus’ is responsible for:

Production of melatonin– a hormone that makes you feel sleepy; in people with SAD, the body may produce it in higher than normal levels
Production of serotonin– Commonly referred to as the happy hormone, serotonin affects your mood, appetite and sleep; a lack of sunlight may lead to lower serotonin levels, which is linked to feelings of depression.
The body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) – your body uses sunlight to determine various important functions (such as when you wake up), so lower light levels during the winter may disrupt your body clock and lead to symptoms of SAD

It is also possible that some people are more vulnerable to SAD as a result of their genes, as some cases appear to run in families.’ (source: NHS website)

Why does SAD affect people of colour more than others?

We are designed to live in hotter climates, where the sun is out for most of the day. Lack of sunlight prevents the Pineal Gland from functioning properly; it is further calcified by sodium fluoride in toothpaste, tap water, and man-made chemicals used on the skin and in food.

The main treatments offered by the NHS are:

Lifestyle measures, including getting as much natural sunlight as possible, exercising regularly and managing your stress levels
Light therapy – where a special lamp called a light box is used to simulate exposure to sunlight
talking therapies, such cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling
antidepressant medication such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

The problem is, many people of colour are diagnosed as suffering from depression and offered SSRI’s (a chemical drug) instead of being offered Vitamin D supplements, Light Therapy, or even COLOUR THERAPY which isn’t even on their list!

I used to suffer from SAD; each winter I would just want to just curl up underneath my duvet with the curtains closed; I lack energy, didn’t feel motivated to do simple tasks, and felt depressed. But in 2009 I intuitively healed myself by painting bright, colourful paintings and hanging them on my walls (see my Art page!) Since that winter, I noticed I wasn’t getting my usual symptoms, which led me to study the benefits of colour on the MIND and EMOTIONS.

Meet me at Katakata on Sunday 5th November 2017 from 2-5pm, 132 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RS where I’ll be explaining the benefits of COLOR THERAPY in more detail, at a Taster Workshop for The Self Love Retreat! (Gambia)

The last 3 paintings from my collection ‘Nature’s Art‘ will be on exhibition (for sale), plus you’ll be able to get Prints of my artwork! Get your ticket for the Taster Workshop (£15) Just make a payment to www.paypal.com/cezanne121 – your ticket price includes a vegan lunch and a LIMITED EDITION signed copy of my Self-help novel ‘Journey of a Sister’ (which features my Art in full colour)

If you are unable to attend, you can still order your signed paperback from the BOOKS page!

Omega Radio Interview 2nd November 2017

I’ll be on http://www.omegafmradio.co.uk on Thursday 2nd November 1-2pm with the Roots Doctor, explaining the benefits of Colour Therapy, and talking about The Self Love Retreat.

Haven’t read it yet? Start from Year One FREE!

Hope to see you there!