What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
It’s that time again. Pumpkin spice lattes. Cider mills. Halloween. Leaves falling. Sweaters and boots. Football Saturdays. Corn mazes. Hayrides. The crisp fall air.
As much as we love fall, it also means that the winter is coming.
With winter comes the holiday season. Hot cocoa. Snow. Baking Cookies. Christmas Movies.
The Winter Blues.
According to American Family Physicians, about 4 to 6 percent of people may have seasonal depression. Another 10 to 20 percent may have mild Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder is four times more common in women than in men.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder that is caused by the changes in seasons. When you think of seasonal depression, you think about depression starting in the winter. Fun fact! You can also experience mood changes beginning in the spring or summer.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms.
Did you know that there are different symptoms based on what type of Seasonal Affective Disorder you are struggling with? Below are a list of common symptoms based on if you have winter depression or summer depression!
Fall/Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder or “winter depression”
Oversleeping
Appetite changes, especially craving foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain
Tiredness or low energy
Spring/ Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder or “summer depression”
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Agitation or anxiety
Increased irritability
Seasonal Affective Disorder Causes.
Researchers are not 100% sure what causes Seasonal Affective Disorder. They do know that the change in sunlight has a negative effect on mood. Below are some possible causes of "SAD."
Biological clock. Your biological clock regulates your mood, sleep and hormones. This shifts when there is less sunlight.
Vitamin D deficiency. Less sunlight equals less vitamin D, which equals lower mood.
Melatonin: Less sunlight can stimulate an increase in production of melatonin. This can makes you feel sluggish and sleepy.
Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment.
There are a few different treatments for seasonal depression including light therapy! Many people have heard of “happy lamps!” Doctors recommend using a happy lamp at least 30 minutes each day beginning in the fall and winter. There are very few side effects of light therapy. Some side effects can include eye strain, headaches, fatigue and irritability. If light therapy does not help, it might be helpful to seek out medication or therapy. your doctor may recommend medication and behavioral therapy. It is common that all these treatments are used together.
Start Depression Therapy in Detroit or Anywhere in Michigan
Everyone has days or moments where they feel down or sad. Do you notice that your mood changes with the seasons? Do you have problems with sleep or changes in appetite? Are you sick of feeling down? The time is now to check in a depression therapist. If you start to feel hopeless or think about suicide, immediately go to your local emergency department or call 911. To learn more about treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder and get ahead of the winter blues, follow these easy steps:
Reach out for a free consultation with one of our depression therapists
Start depression therapy that is tailored to your needs
Invest in your mental health from the comfort of your home
Specialties We Offer Through Online Therapy in Michigan
Embodied Wellness, PLLC provides online therapy in Michigan to adults and teenagers. We help those who are ready to heal from trauma, anxiety, and OCD. We utilize techniques such as EMDR, somatic therapy, DBT, Internal Family Systems and counseling for empaths. Servicios de terapia in Español. If you have questions about online counseling in Michigan, schedule a free 15-minute consultation today!