Do Vitamins for Seasonal Depression Work?

Written by Lori Jo Vest

Fact checked by The Brain Blog Team

In areas of the United States that experience reduced sunlight during the fall and winter months, many people are looking for ways to treat their “winter blues” or seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. You may wonder, do vitamins for seasonal depression work?  

Scientists at the Mayo Clinic recommend the following treatment modalities for Seasonal Affective Disorder: 

Using a special lightbox to expose yourself to bright light in the first few waking hours mimics natural outdoor light and positively impacts brain chemistry that controls mood. Light therapy is a typical first-line treatment for SAD that begins to appear in the fall. It may take a few weeks before you notice a difference in how you feel. It's best to ask your physician for their recommendation on how to use the lightbox.

When Seasonal Depression is severe, antidepressant treatment may be recommended. It may take several weeks to notice a difference, and you may need to try a few different pharmaceuticals before you find one that works best for you. 

Talk therapy, also known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help reduce negative thought patterns, learn new coping mechanisms, and create new ways to manage life's stressors. All of these factors can help you better handle any type of depression, including SAD.  Relaxation Techniques: Many people find success with non-traditional therapies that work on the mind-body connection, like yoga, tai chi, music therapy, or therapeutic art classes.

Medical research finds Vitamin D is deficient in people who live in geographical areas that don't get much sun exposure. National Institutes of Health research has also shown that people who suffer seasonal depression respond with better moods when taking a Vitamin D supplement.