Seasonal Affective Disorder: How Can You Combat It | Blog | BASS Medical Group

A kind of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is brought on by a shift in the seasons, often as fall arrives. Before fading in the brighter days of spring, this seasonal sadness develops stronger in the late fall or early winter.

The "winter blues" are a minor form of SAD that can also occur. It's typical to have some melancholy throughout the winter. Given that it becomes dark early, you can be trapped inside.

But complete SAD goes beyond this. This kind of depression exists. SAD impacts your daily life, including how you feel and think, unlike the winter blues. Thankfully, therapy may help you get through this difficult period.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

A kind of Depression is seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is formally categorized as a major depressive disorder with seasonal rhythms by the American Psychiatric Association. Therefore, if you have depression, you may have symptoms of the seasonal affective disorder such as:

• Sadness, feeling down for most of the day.
• Anxiety
• Weight increases and cravings for carbohydrates.
• Extreme exhaustion and loss of vitality.
• Feelings of worthlessness or despair.
• Having trouble focusing
• Being angry or irritated.
• Arm and leg limbs that are hefty
• A decline in interest in typically enjoyable activities, especially a withdrawal from social activities.
• Sleeping issues (usually oversleeping).
• Thoughts of suicide or death.

Those with summer SAD may go through the following:

• Restlessness and agitation.
• Anxiety.
• Reduction of appetite and loss of weight.
• Aggressive outbursts of conduct
• Difficulty sleeping

Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder

You will discuss treatments for seasonal affective disorder with your doctor. You could require a mix of therapies, such as:

Sunlight treatment

Using a dedicated lamp, bright light therapy can help alleviate SAD.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Talk therapy includes CBT. It provides the most sustained benefits of any therapy strategy, according to research, and successfully improves SAD.

Antidepressant drugs

Medical professionals may advise using antidepressants for depression, either on their own or in conjunction with light treatment.

Going outside

Getting more sun will help your symptoms go better. Attempt to leave throughout the day. Increase the quantity of sunshine that comes into your house or place of business.

Taking Vitamin D

Taking a vitamin D pill may help you feel better.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Is it preventable?

You might not be able to stop the initial SAD episode. However, when your doctor has identified seasonal depression in you, you may do treatments for seasonal affective disorder to better treat the condition or perhaps stop it from returning.

Utilize your lightbox:

Begin utilizing light treatment in the early fall, before SAD symptoms appear.

Go outdoors

Even on overcast days, spend some time outside. You could feel better in the daylight.

Eat Healthily

Resist the urge to indulge in sugary or starchy meals, even if your body may be begging for them. You may get the right nutrition and energy through a nutritious diet that contains enough vitamins and minerals.

Get help

Consider seeking assistance from a CBT-trained mental health practitioner. Seasonal affective disorder may respond well to this therapy.

Think of your medications

Discuss the possibility of taking an antidepressant with your doctor. If your symptoms are severe or if they persist despite other therapies, medication may be helpful. In some situations, using the drug before the onset of SAD might stop bouts.

The Bottom Line

Depression of the sort known as "seasonal affective disorder" (SAD) occurs every year during a certain season, often the winter. Lack of energy and a sense of helplessness are two symptoms. Fortunately, seasonal depression is treatable. Speak with your healthcare professional such as Bass Medical. We are here to help.