How to Deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder

About ten to twenty percent of Americans feel a significant mood change when there are hours of daylight in the winter months (Source). A clinical form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs very frequently during the long winter months, often starting in the fall season (Source).

Those who are experiencing SAD may feel:

• Depressed most of the day

• Loss of interest in activities

• Sluggish or agitated

• Hopeless

• Worthless

• And more (see here for a list of symptoms)

It is important to see a doctor if you end up feeling these symptoms for days, have a hard time with motivation, experience issues with sleep or appetite, and/or have thoughts of suicide. SAD has many causes, some of which could be because of our own biological clock with the reduction in sunlight, a drop in serotonin (a chemical in the brain that helps us feel happy), and/or melatonin levels, which help regulate our sleep and mood. Already experiencing depression or having a family history with SAD may increase one’s risk of experiencing it.

If you are experiencing SAD, you don’t have to tough it out through the winter, you absolutely can reach out for help. Some reactions can cause us to withdraw from our social supports, experience suicidal thoughts, abuse substances, have issues with work, and more. If SAD affects you, know that help is available to you.

Therapists here at Thrive Counseling can help.

Source