Have you been feeling positive all summer & are now noticing changes in your mood? If this is the case you may be experiencing seasonal depression

Seasonal Depression also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects a person during the same time each year. SAD normally begins to affect people in the fall and winter months. A person affected with SAD will feel depressed during these seasons and feel better during the spring and summer (WebMD).

According to WebMD, The causes of SAD are unknown; however experts think that it may be caused by a lack of sunlight. Lack of light can disrupt sleeping patterns as well as cause problems with the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that affects a person’s mood.

Do you have SAD?

Symptoms of SAD include:

-          Feeling sad, grumpy, moody or anxious

-          Lose of interest in activities

-          Weight gain

-          Sleeping more

-          Feeling drowsy during the daytime

Symptoms usually begin in September or October and end in April or May

How do you treat SAD?

Light therapy is usually prescribed to treat SAD. There are two types of light therapy.

1.       Counseling: Counseling can help a person to learn more about SAD and how to manage their symptoms.

2.       Antidepressants: Antidepressants balance out the brain chemicals that affect mood.

3.       Exercise: As with any type of depression regular exercise will help improve energy and decrease depression.

Light therapy can also be prescribed to treat SAD. There are two types of light therapy.

1.       Bright light treatment: This treatment involves the person sitting in front of a light box for at least half an hour a day. This treatment is usually done in the morning.

2.       Dawn stimulation: For this treatment, the person will have a dim light that goes on in the morning and gets brighter over time. This effect acts like a sunrise.

 

Source: WebMD

Written by: Brittany Ritterman