SAD typically occurs in winter in northern latitudes, especially in frequently overcast locations, e.g., Seattle. If daily exposure to at least 15 minutes of natural sunlight is not an option in your area, consider using full-spectrum lights in rooms where you spend the most time. Low blood sugar deprives the brain, one of your most fuel-hungry organs, of glucose. Usually due to inappropriate diet. In terms of legal drugs, alcohol is a brain depressant, increases adrenal hormone output, interferes with many brain processes, and disrupts normal sleep cycles.
Nicotine stimulates adrenal hormone secretion, including cortisol.
Caffeine causes anxiety, panic disorders, depression, nervousness, palpitations, irritability and recurrent headache in sensitive individuals. Imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitters. When the level of serotonin, the brain s mood-elevating and tranquilizing neurotransmitter, is too low, depression results. This is the biochemical derangement that antidepressant drugs try to control, but these drugs should be your last resort for numerous reasons. Antidepressant drugs take over a normal function of the body.