During the colder months of the year, depression can be a problem for some people. With the sun being out less along with shorter and colder days, the possibility of becoming depressed is very likely. People tend to stay indoors more and create a type of “cabin fever” for themselves that could provoke depression. People who have been diagnosed with a depressive mood disorder and are aware of their symptoms could also suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can stem from clinical depression and sensitivity to light.
Who can develop SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder affects about 6 percent of the United States population, especially with cities located in northern climates or at higher altitudes. SAD is almost 4 times more common in women than men. Another factor that comes into play is age. The older a person gets, the more susceptible they could become because people who are under 20 are not at a high risk of suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. A person who been diagnosed with a Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is vulnerable to getting SAD although winter depression could be the case. Either way, both can be treated for anyone who is suffering from the debilitating symptoms.
What are the symptoms of SAD?
Some of the main symptoms that occur with Seasonal Affective Disorder are oversleeping, overeating on comfort foods causing weight gain, lethargy, and low energy. These symptoms can develop on top of the symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder causing other disturbances in sleep patterns, diet, and energy that can all lead someone to have thoughts of suicide.
How is SAD treated?
Every person needs to be treated differently along with their specific symptoms. The main way Seasonal Affective Disorder is treated is through light therapy although attending therapy and sometimes medication in very severe cases are used. Light therapy is best administered in the morning time to trigger the circadian rhythm of the body and release dopamine to reduce the symptoms of depression.
Feeling blue in the winter is common among many people although if you are in pain from depression, you need to get some help immediately. There is no reason for you to suffer anymore because there are ways for you to feel better and enjoy the season. Rather than let your emotional nature get snowed in, try to see the beauty in this winter and every other season of life after.
Offering a full range of recovery and mental health services, Valiant Living offers “Expanded Recovery” to enrich our clients’ lives in mind, body, and spirit. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Valiant fosters connection, encouraging clients to get connected to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. With the power of recovery, clients are restored to full health and experience life-changing healing. Call us today for more information: 303-536-5463
