7 Practical Tips For Making The The Most Of Your Seasonal Depression Symptoms

Seasonal Depression Symptoms

Similar to other forms of depression, those with SAD feel depressed or have a lack of enthusiasm for everyday activities. They might lose interest in families and friends, fall asleep more or have trouble waking up, and they crave carbs that give the body quick energy.

In  iampsychiatry.com  and winter can alter brain pathways that help regulate mood. Some sufferers experience mild symptoms, while others experience symptoms that are severe enough to cause problems in relationships and at work.

Treatment

There are many treatments available. People with SAD can benefit from psychotherapy, light therapy and medications. Simple changes can help relieve symptoms and improve mood.

SAD can be mild or severe. It can trigger changes in an individual's energy levels, appetite, and concentration. Some people with SAD might feel angry or angry more easily. They may also have difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Some sufferers of SAD have trouble sleeping and can cause them to lack energy throughout the day. The change in seasons can cause symptoms of SAD. The shorter daylight hours during the winter and fall months can affect a person's biological rhythms. It can decrease serotonin levels and boost Melatonin levels. This can lead to sleepiness or depression.

People who suffer from SAD feel depressed or sad at a particular time of the year. These symptoms usually occur in winter or fall, and they feel better in spring. In the summer, they might have episodes where they feel elevated or euphoric. People with SAD may have more depression episodes than other people. SAD may be confused with other mood disorders. It is essential to get an assessment from a medical doctor.

CBT (Cognitive behavioral therapy) is a successful treatment option for SAD. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that teaches people how to challenge and alter thoughts that are not helpful. CBT for SAD concentrates on changing negative thoughts about the season to more helpful ones. It also assists people in finding pleasurable activities to offset the lack of interest that they usually experience in the winter or summer.

It's not known how effective herbal remedies or supplements are for SAD. Many herbal remedies and supplements do not have the same degree of regulation as medications. They can interact with prescription drugs and cause serious health issues. Consult your healthcare provider prior to taking any herbal or dietary supplement.

Medication

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

Many people with winter-pattern SAD suffer from depressive episodes that come and go every year during the fall and winter. These episodes may be caused by a lack energy, an increase in appetite and an increased desire for starchy food, sleep disruption and weight increase. These symptoms can cause you to feel hopeless and despairing, or even suicidal in extreme instances.

In addition to antidepressants certain people suffering from SAD benefit by taking a dopamine inhibitor like bupropion. This medication helps to regulate the levels of dopamine and serotonin, reducing the tendency to feel lethargic and irritable. This is a relatively brand new type of antidepressant that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to be used to treat SAD.

Your doctor will recommend the best medication option for you based on the specific symptoms and the severity of your illness. They'll likely suggest that you start antidepressants before seasonal symptoms usually start each year, and continue taking them until spring. They might also suggest that you use the light box or lamp to simulate sunlight, which can trigger serotonin release.

It is important to remember that while many people with SAD suffer from a vitamin D deficiency however, there is no evidence of this being the cause of their condition. You can improve your health by eating an appropriate diet and spending enough time in the sun.

SAD is a difficult illness to manage and the symptoms can last for for a long time. However, it is important to recognize that there are many treatments for this condition, and with the help of your GP, you can overcome your symptoms and return to living your life normally. 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

SAD is a type depression that can be seen in winter and autumn and increases during spring and the summer. It is caused by changes in the exposure to sunlight and biological clocks, which may affect sleep, eating habits and mood. The treatment for seasonal depression is with antidepressants, cognitive therapy, and light therapy.

Researchers don't know what causes SAD. They believe that a lack of sunlight triggers brain chemical changes that can lead to depression. People suffering from SAD are more likely to suffer from other mental health problems, including major depression and bipolar disorder. They could also be at risk because of family history, like a relative who has depression or schizophrenia.

Serotonin, the brain chemical that regulates mood, is typically lower in people with SAD winter-pattern. Low levels of serotonin can affect sleep and the ability to concentrate and lead to sadness. People with summer-pattern SAD might have lower levels of melatonin, which can affect sleeping patterns and trigger feelings of depression.

The symptoms of SAD are sadness, low energy and difficulty concentrating, as well as an absence of interest in the activities you normally enjoy. You might be unable to connect with family and friends during the dark, cold months or lose weight to deal with negative emotions. You may also start to feel suicidal. This is a serious medical issue that requires immediate attention.

Talk therapy can help people with SAD overcome depression by changing negative thought patterns and behavior. During sessions with your therapist, they will ask you questions and encourage you to pay attention to your reactions to difficult situations. Then, you will work together to discover new ways to deal with these situations.

Psychotherapy is most successful when it's tailored to a specific issue like SAD. One of the most promising treatments for SAD is called cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT. Developed by Aaron Beck, a psychiatrist at the University of Pennsylvania in the 1960s, CBT is built on Albert Ellis' rational emotive behavior therapy. It is focused on changing destructive patterns of "emotional reasoning" which can cause depression.

Light therapy

Many people feel tired, slow and depressed when the seasons change. These symptoms are more serious than the "winter's blues" and can lead to depression, also referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you are suffering from this condition, simple lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms and help restore your normal mood.

Bright light therapy, also known as phototherapy, has been found to help alleviate symptoms of SAD, as well as other conditions that affect your mood. Utilizing a light box or specialized full-spectrum light in the early morning can help alleviate symptoms. Light therapy boosts serotonin levels, a natural chemical that improves your mood. It can also prevent a drop in your circadian clock, which is the internal clock in your body that regulates sleep cycles.

The best results are achieved by using a device that emits 10,000 Lux of bright white light. This is about the same brightness that you see outside on a sunny day in July. Your doctor will suggest that you stand or sit in front of the device each day for 30 minutes or more, starting in the early morning, all week.

You might experience eye strain or headaches while using the light source, however these effects will usually disappear when you alter the intensity of the light and the distance between you and the light source. It's important to make use of a light source that blocks harmful ultraviolet rays which can damage your eyes and skin. You can buy a lightbox from your healthcare provider or find one on the Internet However, be sure that it's approved by a medical professional to treat SAD.

Inform your doctor if you suffer from bipolar disorder, or any other mental condition you are suffering from. Bright light therapy, also known as antidepressants can cause manic episodes in some people. These risks can be mitigated by utilizing these treatments under the guidance of a doctor.