Why Seasonal Depression Symptoms Is More Difficult Than You Think

Seasonal Depression Symptoms

Similar to other forms of postpartum depression symptoms, people with SAD feel depressed or have a lack of enjoyment in everyday activities. They might lose interest in friends and family, sleep more often or have difficulty getting up, and crave carbohydrates that give the body quick energy.

The lack of sunlight in autumn and winter can alter brain pathways that help regulate mood. Some people have mild symptoms, but others have symptoms serious enough to affect relationships and work.

Treatment

The good news is that treatment options are available. People suffering from SAD can benefit from light therapy, psychotherapy and medications. Simple changes can also aid in relieving symptoms and improve mood.

SAD can be mild, moderate or severe. It can cause changes in an individual's energy levels, appetite and concentration. Some people who have SAD may feel irritable or angry more easily. They may also experience difficulty taking decisions or concentrating. Some people suffering from SAD have difficulty sleeping and this can cause fatigue throughout the day. Symptoms of SAD can be triggered by the change in seasons. The shorter daylight hours during the winter and fall seasons can affect a person's biological rhythms. This can lower serotonin levels, and increase Melatonin levels. This could cause sleepiness or depression.

People with SAD report feeling down or sad at a certain time of the year. These symptoms typically occur in the fall or winter and they are more comfortable in the spring. They may also experience moments of elation or feeling high in the summertime. People suffering from SAD may experience more depression episodes than other people. SAD can be confused with other mood disorders. It's important to get an evaluation from a health professional.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for SAD. CBT is a kind signs of being depressed psychotherapy that teaches people to challenge and change unhelpful thoughts. CBT for SAD focuses on changing negative thoughts associated with the season to more positive ones. It assists people in finding enjoyable activities to offset their lack of interest in the summer or winter.

It's not known how effective herbal supplements or remedies are for SAD. Many herbal remedies and dietary supplements aren't regulated in the same way as medications are. They can interact with certain prescription drugs and cause serious problems. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking any dietary or herbal supplements.

Medication

The symptoms of seasonal depression are more serious than a few "winter blues." Your GP can identify and treat these symptoms when you experience them throughout the year at the same time. Treatment options include light therapy, psychotherapy, and medications.

The winter-pattern SAD is characterized by depressive disorder symptoms episodes that occur throughout the year in the fall and winter. These episodes are often accompanied by a lack energy, an increased appetite and a craving for food that is starchy and sleep disturbances, as well as weight growth. These symptoms can cause feelings of despair, hopelessness and even suicidal ideas in the most severe instances.

Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from taking bupropion, a dopamine inhibitor. This medication balances your serotonin levels and dopamine levels to lessen the likelihood of becoming irritable and lethargic. This is a relatively new type of antidepressant that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be used in the treatment of SAD.

Your doctor will prescribe the right medication for you, according to your symptoms and degree of severity. They'll likely suggest that you begin antidepressants before seasonal symptoms usually start every year, and keep taking them until spring. They might also suggest that you use a lamp or light box to simulate sunlight, which can encourage serotonin release.

It's important to note that even though many people suffering from SAD feel an absence of vitamin D but there isn't any evidence that this is the cause of their illness. You can improve your health by consuming a healthy diet and spending enough time outdoors in the sunshine.

SAD is a challenging condition to manage and symptoms can last for a long time. It is crucial to understand that there are numerous solutions for this condition. With the assistance of your GP you can conquer symptoms and return to regular life. For more information on seasonal affective disorder and other mental health conditions, visit the Health Matters blog(link opens in a new window) at NewYork-Presbyterian.

Cognitive behavior therapy

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that is seen in winter and fall and improves in the spring and summer. It is caused by changes to sunlight exposure and biological clocks, which may affect sleep, eating habits and mood. The treatment for seasonal depression is with antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, and light therapy.

Researchers don't know the cause of SAD. They believe that a lack of sunlight causes brain chemical changes which can trigger depression. People suffering from SAD are more likely to suffer from other mental health conditions which include bipolar disorder and major identifying depression symptoms. They may be also at risk due to a family history of mental health issues like schizophrenia or depression.

Serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates mood, is typically lower in people with SAD winter-pattern. Serotonin levels that are low can affect sleep and the ability to concentrate and cause sadness. Melatonin levels may be lower in those with SAD summer-pattern. This can alter sleep patterns and trigger depression-like feelings.

SAD symptoms include sadness, low energy problems with concentration, sadness, and a loss of interest in the things you usually enjoy. You may be unable to connect with your friends and family during the cold, dark winter months or lose weight in order to cope with the negative emotions. You may also begin to feel suicidal. This is a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.

Talk therapy can assist SAD sufferers overcome depression through the modification of negative thoughts and behaviors. During sessions, your therapist might ask you questions and encourage you to pay attention to your reactions to stressful situations. Then, you'll discuss ways to approach these situations in a different way.

Psychotherapy is most effective when it's customized to a specific issue, such as SAD. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most promising treatments available for SAD. Developed by Aaron Beck, a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1960s, CBT was an adaptation of Albert Ellis' rational emotive behavior therapy. It is focused on transforming destructive patterns of "emotional reasoning" which can cause depression.

Light therapy

Many people feel tired, sluggish and depressed when the seasons change. For some, these symptoms are more serious than a typical case of the "winter blues," and may lead to depression called seasonal affective disorder or SAD. If you suffer from this condition it is possible to make a few minor lifestyle changes and the assistance of psychotherapy or medication can alleviate your symptoms and bring your mood back to normal.

Bright light therapy, also known as phototherapy, has been proven to improve symptoms of SAD, as well as other conditions that affect your mood. The early morning use of a light with a full spectrum or box can reduce symptoms. Light therapy boosts serotonin levels, a natural chemical that improves your mood. It can also prevent a dip in your circadian rhythm. This is the internal clock in your body that regulates sleep cycles and other important functions.

The most effective results for SAD are achieved through a special device that emits 10,000 lux of bright white light, roughly the same amount of light as outside on clear days in July. Your doctor may suggest that you sit or stand in front of the device for 30 minutes every day, beginning in the morning.

There may be some headaches or eye strain while using the light source, however these effects will usually disappear by adjusting the intensity of the light as well as the distance between you and the light source. Make sure you use a light box that has filters that block harmful ultraviolet rays. These rays can cause damage to your skin and eyes. You can buy a lightbox through your doctor, or you can locate one on the internet. Be sure to ensure that it is medically approved to treat SAD.

Tell your healthcare provider if you suffer from bipolar disorder or any other mental illness you are suffering from. Bright light therapy, or antidepressants can cause manic episodes in some individuals. These risks can be mitigated by utilizing these treatments under the guidance of a psychiatrist.