Seasonal Affective Disorder: Healing Through Winter Months

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more than the winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people each year, typically beginning in late fall and continuing through the winter months. Symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, serotonin insufficiency, and a lack of interest in things can cause great harm.

In case you have a background of addiction or trauma, SAD may complicate your recovery process. However, with the proper treatment regimen and means, such as light bulbs in seasonal affective disorder, as well as knowledge about vitamins and their role in seasonal affective disorder, you or a loved one can find relief.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder, referred to as SAD, is a subtype of major depressive episodes that is connected to the seasons, notably shorter and darker days. Many people experience slight symptoms of winter blues, but people with SAD experience these feelings continuously. They also deal with unexplained fatigue, and an inability to cope with daily life.

Common Symptoms of SAD

1. Feeling exhausted all day
2. Sleeping more or less than usual
3. Cravings for carbs and weight gain
4. Trouble focusing or feeling mentally foggy
5. Anxiety or irritability
6. A loss of interest in hobbies or social events
7. Mood swings and emotional lows
8. Difficulty getting out of bed even on good days

You may be experiencing SAD when you spot the symptoms every fall or during winter.

SAD vs. Winter Blues: What’s the Difference?

The winter blues are often mistaken for SAD, though they are not the same. Winter blues are less severe and do not significantly impact your functioning. The latter, however, is more serious.

SAD can affect your mood, your relationships with others, and even play a role in the decline of your physical health. Consider SAD as a more serious form of depression that particularly reacts to the change of the season.

Why SAD Happens: The Science Behind It

Studies indicate that reduced exposure to sunlight in winter may disrupt your circadian clock and decrease serotonin levels, which can make you feel depressed. The development of SAD may also be caused by genetics, past trauma, a deficiency of nutrients, and changes in hormones.

Biology at a Glance

1. Less sunlight > disrupted circadian rhythm > mood changes
2. Lower serotonin levels > feeling down or anxious
3. Vitamin D deficiency > mood swings and low energy
4. Imbalanced melatonin production > trouble sleeping or fatigue

Understanding these factors can help you effectively treat SAD.

How Addiction Affects SAD and Vice Versa

When you have to deal with substance use, SAD could cause a vicious circle of escalating symptoms:

1. Tiredness and low mood increase the urge to self-medicate
2. Depressive episodes can spark cravings or relapse
3. SAD symptoms can complicate recovery, making it harder to maintain sobriety

Treatment of these conditions as a package is necessary to create a foundation for healing.

Treatment Options for SAD That Work

1. Light Therapy

Seasonal affective disorder treatment with light involves simulating natural daylight using light bulbs such as 10,000 lux light boxes, for 30 minutes every morning. This works by resetting your circadian rhythm and increasing the level of serotonin, which alleviates the symptoms.

2. Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamins can supplement nutritional deficiencies that aggravate the symptoms. Some vitamins for seasonal affective disorder include vitamin D supplements. Discuss dosage and frequency with your healthcare provider.

3. Talk Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is especially curated for SAD will help you while coping with low mood and behavioral dysfunctions aggravated during winter.

4. Antidepressant Medication

Prescribed anti-depressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs may be prescribed when talk and light therapy does not impact your mood or alleviate symptoms.

5. Light-Boosting Routine

1. Aim for sun exposure in the morning and afternoon
2. Exercise outdoors or near a window
3. Set an alarm and sleep at fixed hours per day
4. Keep your work and living space well-lit

Living Well Through SAD

How to be grounded and healthy with the coming winter:

1. Get outside every day, even 10 minutes in daylight helps reset your clock
2. Use a light box during morning routines
3. Keep up with therapy calls or support groups
4. Track your sleep, mood, and appetite
5. Prepare healthy, nourishing meals

Such minor habits may help you avoid relapses, make the process of recovery faster and successful in case of SAD and addiction.

Local Support in Washington State

Where in Spokane Valley, Washington can you find treatment for seasonal affective disorder?

We Level Up Washington has an all-inclusive program treating SAD with or without substance addictions. The care team we have gives us treatment plans that might incorporate light therapy equipment and vitamins as treatment for seasonal affective disorder.

What about treatment in Liberty Lake, Spokane, or Coeur d’Alene?

Our regionally accessible services offer outpatient and inpatient options. We are here to help you all year round, most importantly during the darkest months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Seasonal sadness is not the same thing as seasonal affective disorder, which can bring severe emotional pain, weariness of the body, and knock you down over and over again in winter. But you do not have to face it alone. As long as there is a clear treatment plan, professional assistance, along with the aid of a depression treatment center, recovery can be achieved.

Reach out today for a brighter tomorrow. No matter the time of the year, you deserve to feel warm, stable, and have hope once again.

Summary

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.