Spooky Season got you feeling SAD?🎃 It might be Season Affective Disorder.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a depressive disorder, that’s well, affected by the seasons. Folks diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, generally begin experiencing symptoms in the cooler autumn months that persist into the cold winter, and symptoms often resolve in the sunnier spring and summer. Symptoms of SAD can include:

• Feelings of ongoing depression or sadness 

• Feelings of persistent guilt or shame

• Anhedonia or loss of interest in things you once enjoyed

• Low energy, listlessness, and/or fatigue

• Hyposomnia or sleeping too much

• Increased appetite and weight gain

• Suicidal thoughts

The causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder are varied and may include disruptions to your circadian rhythm, serotonin levels, vitamin D, and melatonin levels during the darker fall and winter months. This means that folks living in the far global north or south are more likely to develop SAD. Having a family history of SAD as well as other depressive or mood disorders also increases your risk for SAD.

While SAD can be isolating and sometimes debilitating, SAD is treatable and may include a combination of light therapy, medication, psychotherapy, and somatics. 

If you or a loved one may be suffering from SAD, reach out to us for a free consultation call here, or learn more about our offerings here.