During the fall, the days are much shorter compared to the summer. Most people adapt without difficulty to the fact that it gets dark before 6 in the afternoon, but some, who are usually the most sensitive, suffer anxiety and depression as a result of decreased hours of sunlight.
This is due to a disorder known as SAD. (seasonal affective disorder). The seasons change, and with them the sunlight, which affects the circadian rhythm, an internal clock of the human body which participates in the production of hormones, as well as in brain waves. This causes highly sensitive people to experience changes in their mood because the central nervous system generates an angry response similar to that produced by jet lag.
Surviving the shorter and shorter days, during which we leave work and it is already completely dark, is easier if we realize that at the end of December, the days will begin to lengthen again. Mentalization helps, but sometimes it is not enough, and in those cases we can try to rearrange the schedule to get as much sunlight as possible or resort to bright white light therapy.
Vitamin D supplements are another remedy for SAD because many illnesses, especially depression, are associated with a deficiency of this nutrient. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor about this matter, especially if you have experienced a low mood with the entry of autumn. However, you can also try a few days on your own to see if your body responds positively to the increased vitamin D-rich foods in the diet, such as cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, milk, yogurt, eggs, and cereals fortified with vitamin D.