While
everyone is susceptible to the occasional “winter blues,” some people
have lingering bouts of a specific type of depression related to the
season called “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (also known as SAD.) Some
common symptoms of SAD include:
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- Social Withdrawal
- Weight Gain
- Irritability
SAD symptoms are tied to the season and usually go away during the spring thaw as the weather improves and the sun shines. However, it’s important that people visit a professional if they suspect they are suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, as any symptoms of depression warrant a professional’s assessment.
If you are diagnosed with SAD, your doctor may recommend phototherapy, also known as bright light therapy. This type of treatment requires you to sit in front of a box that emits a bright light for a number of hours each day in order to improve the symptoms of the disorder. It is not recommended that people seek out the lights of a tanning bed to increase their sun light exposure, since a tanning bed does not filter UV rays.
Many physicians combine the phototherapy treatment with an anti-depressant in order to better manage the symptoms of SAD.
What to do if you suspect you have SAD:
If you suspect that you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, don’t hesitate to seek out a professional who can help you manage your symptoms of depression. The ADAMH board can help connect you with community agencies that have appropriate resources for managing these feelings. Please contact us at 740-654-0829.
If you are diagnosed with SAD, your doctor may recommend phototherapy, also known as bright light therapy. This type of treatment requires you to sit in front of a box that emits a bright light for a number of hours each day in order to improve the symptoms of the disorder. It is not recommended that people seek out the lights of a tanning bed to increase their sun light exposure, since a tanning bed does not filter UV rays.
Many physicians combine the phototherapy treatment with an anti-depressant in order to better manage the symptoms of SAD.
What to do if you suspect you have SAD:
If you suspect that you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, don’t hesitate to seek out a professional who can help you manage your symptoms of depression. The ADAMH board can help connect you with community agencies that have appropriate resources for managing these feelings. Please contact us at 740-654-0829.