Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression associated with changes in the seasons. SAD often affects people in the fall or winter months and fades in spring. SAD can have a significant effect on your mood and energy levels. During this time, you may experience symptoms such as sadness, oversleeping, social withdrawal, or low energy. The symptoms may persist until a change in seasons occurs. However, this may not work for everyone. As such, it is vital to treat SAD effectively since it can limit your ability to enjoy life. If you are looking for a recovery center to help you overcome symptoms of seasonal depression, TruHealing Centers can help through our depression disorder treatment program.
3 Tips to Manage Seasonal Depression
People may experience symptoms of seasonal depression differently. However, you can use the following tips to manage the symptoms of seasonal depression:
1. Use Light Therapy Boxes or Dawn Simulators
Professionals recommend at least thirty minutes of exposure to a light therapy box every day. Light therapy boxes emit light that mimics sunshine, and it is useful in managing seasonal depression. The light from a therapy box is brighter than that from your regular bulb, and it comes in different wavelengths. The light helps to stimulate your body’s circadian rhythms and suppress the release of melatonin. A light therapy box is most effective if you use it immediately when you get up in the morning.
Dawn simulators are alarm clocks. However, instead of waking you up with loud beeping, they produce light that gradually increases in intensity. Dawn simulators mimic how the sun rises in the morning. You can find different models, but the most effective ones use full-spectrum light, which is closest to natural sunlight.
2. Exercise Regularly and Be Proactive
Like it does with other forms of depression, exercise can help in managing seasonal depression. Outdoor workouts are the most helpful. However, if snow or cold prevents you from exercising outside, use a treadmill or a stationary bike and place it close to a window. Apart from alleviating your mood, exercise can help offset the weight gain associated with seasonal depression. Maintaining a yoga or meditation routine can also help in managing seasonal depression.
Being proactive is also essential in managing any type of depression. You cannot stay in bed and hide in your house until spring. Plan your schedule tightly so that you can stay busy during winter. You can organize winter parties, plan for a dinner at a local restaurant, or choose movies to watch with friends.
3. Talk to Your Doctor
Since SAD is a type of depression, a health professional can diagnose it and recommend the ideal treatment. Your doctor can use some screening questions to determine whether you have SAD or another form of depression. If you have SAD, your doctor can recommend a combination of therapy to help you walk through seasonal depression. Your health professional can also provide you with resources to build resilience before SAD hits its peak.
Apart from medical help, you can also practice self-care to minimize symptoms of SAD. You can practice healthy sleeping habits, eat a balanced diet, and visit your friends and family to enhance your mood.
Seek Help Today to Manage Seasonal Depression at TruHealing Centers
Seasonal depression can prevent you from enjoying the holidays and interacting with your loved ones. If you feel hopeless or unable to function even after self-care, professionals at Amatus Recovery Center are here to help you alleviate your mood. Our treatment programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Dialectal behavior therapy program
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
If you or your loved one is suffering from seasonal depression, there is hope for recovery. Either call TruHealing Centers today at [Direct] or complete our user-friendly online form to book an appointment.