Mental Health
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Understanding and Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder at Centric Behavioral Health
Understanding and Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder
At Centric Behavioral Health, we know that the change of the seasons does more than only change our environment; it can change our mental illness and many other mental health conditions. | seasonal affective disorder treatment Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, is a kind of depression that varies with the seasons and usually starts and ends at about the same time every year. Our dedicated mental health team is committed to providing effective, compassionate care to help individuals manage and overcome SAD. This comprehensive guide discusses what Seasonal Affective Disorder is, its symptoms, and the extensive treatment options available from our mental health facility.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs at a particular time of year, usually in the winter, when there is less sunlight. The exact cause of SAD isn’t known, but it is believed to be connected with reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter depression. The shorter days of the year make less sunlight around. This lack of the sun might cause a disturbance in your sleep pattern and the body’s internal clock, decrease the levels of serotonin—the brain chemical that affects mood—and, therefore, may lead to feelings of depression.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
The symptoms of SAD usually start to be mild in late fall or early winter and then grow stronger as the season gets worse. They can include:
- Feeling depressed most of the day, almost every day
- Loss of interest in things you used to take pleasure in
- Low energy level and increased lethargy
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
- Changes in your appetite or weight
- Feeling sluggish or agitated
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
Treatments Options
Our programs provide world-class, evidence-based treatment for substance abuse, dual diagnosis, and mental health conditions, all within boutique, supportive environments. With expertly trained staff and personalized treatment plans, you can trust that choosing one of our facilities means receiving the highest standard of care tailored to your unique needs.
Inpatient Program
Partial Hospitalization
Intensive Outpatient
Outpatient Treatment
Supportive Housing
Aftercare
Our Approach to Treating Seasonal Affective Disorder
One of the first-line treatments for SAD is light therapy, which involves exposure to bright artificial light, mimicking the light intensity of natural outdoor light. The shining light in light therapy also appears to cause a chemical change in the brain to lift your mood and ease other symptoms of SAD. At Centric Behavioral Health, we will provide medically-approved light therapy devices and guide you on how to use them effectively.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), also known as talk therapy, has been adapted for use with SAD, known as CBT-SAD. The variant of talk therapy can effectively treat SAD by helping you identify and change negative thought patterns, thoughts, and behaviors that may be making you feel sad or making you feel worse about feeling miserable.
In some cases, antidepressant medication may be recommended by a mental health professional, especially if symptoms of the mental health professional or illness are severe enough to sleep. Our healthcare providers will discuss the benefits and risks of several weeks of medications to find the most suitable option for mental health conditions.
We encourage taking steps to manage your symptoms independently, using light therapy, which can be highly effective. This includes using light therapy, making your environment sunnier and brighter, using light therapy exercises regularly, practicing outside activities during daylight hours, using light therapy, and using light therapy exercises regularly to keep weight gain and relieve stress, major depressive disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy can support your treatment by helping to relieve symptoms of mental disorders such as bipolar disorder and SAD.
Getting Started with Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Notice mood periods of depression that seem to occur a few weeks of the year during winter months. It may be clinical depression and not just a case of the “winter blues,” and these depressive episodes can be more serious. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of significant depression early and seeking treatment can prevent symptoms of major depression from worsening.
Contact Us
To learn more about our treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder or to make an appointment, visit our contact page or contact Centric Behavioral Health directly. It’s your life. The change of season doesn’t have to bring you down. We will be your guide with comprehensive, compassionate care.
Contact us today to learn more about our expert programs and how we can help you find long-term healing today.