Do you feel hopeless or typically isolate yourself during the same times of the year? Do you feel depressed only during certain seasons? You may have Seasonal Affective Disorder. Today, I will talk about what Seasonal Affective Disorder is and some treatments for it. 

1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a very real disorder that people have where they feel depressed during certain seasons of the year. SAD is actually a type of depression. 

   Seasonal Affective Disorder is most known for happening during the winter, however, it can definitely happen during any season-- even during the summer. Typically SAD is more common during the fall and winter seasons, but again, it can still happen in the spring or summer seasons. 

   Interestingly enough, there are different symptoms for SAD during the winter seasons versus the summer seasons.

   According to this article, “Seasonal Affective Disorder,” by the National Institute of Mental Health, some of the symptoms for SAD during the winter season are wanting to hibernate, excessive eating or craving of carbohydrates, and having difficulty with staying awake during the daytime (hypersomnia). In the same article, some of the symptoms for SAD during the summer season are having difficulty sleeping at night (insomnia), agitation, and weight loss due to a decrease in appetite.  

2. There are many different treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Many of the same treatments used to treat depression can also be used to treat SAD. For example, antidepressants such as SSRIs may help reduce symptoms. Types of therapy such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Chronotherapy, and Light Therapy are also extremely helpful in regards to treatment of SAD. 

   Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is a type of therapy based on changing cognitive distortions, or thinking errors, in order to change behavior. Chronotherapy helps people to get back to a healthy sleeping schedule. People with SAD may oversleep during the day or have trouble sleeping at night. Light Therapy is often used as well. This therapy works by sitting in front of a lamp or box that produces artificial light. These lamps or boxes help to put one’s body back in its natural circadian rhythm and give the body the effects of sunlight it may be lacking.

   Another treatment would be to make sure that you are eating clean and exercising regularly. Your brain and body are extremely affected by the foods that you eat, and exercising produces feel good hormones called endorphins amongst other natural chemicals that increase your overall well being. 

3. Bonus: Buying a light therapy lamp or box may also help reduce insomnia!

References & Resources: 

• If you want to learn more about what SAD is, what symptoms are associated with it, and risk factors of developing it, click here. 

• If you want to learn more about how Light Therapy Lamps/Boxes can help with insomnia, click here. 

• If you would like to set up an appointment for treatment of SAD, click here or email info@wamalawellness.com.

Author Care With Carina