Feeling unhappy can have a drastic impact on your life and impact almost everything you do. Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD or seasonal depression, is a form of depression that begins and ends at a similar time each year. The period of depression normally coincides with the changes in weather – getting worse when the weather is colder and improving as the weather gets warmer. However, in some cases, seasonal affective disorder can improve during the colder months and become worse during warmer weather.
Knowing the signs, symptoms, and treatments for seasonal affective disorder can help you and other people in Clearwater to feel happier and manage any unwanted symptoms over the winter months. While you might be quick to think you feel worse because the weather is changing, there are many things you can do in order to reduce the risk of seasonal affective disorder and feel better.
Symptoms to look out for
To identify seasonal affective disorder, there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for.
- Your mood is changing with the weather: This is one of the main symptoms that set seasonal affective disorder aside from other types of depression. If you notice that your mood seems to change when the weather does, this is a sign that you could be suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
- Loneliness and isolation: Like many types of depression, you can feel lonely and isolated after a while. Feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness may cause you to feel like you don’t want to see anyone or speak to anyone. This can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and create further distance between friends and those who could help you.
- Suicidal thoughts: Seasonal depression can cause people to feel suicidal or have thoughts of suicide. Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and unworthiness can drive these suicidal feelings and make seasonal affective disorder worse.
What can help seasonal affective disorder?
Thankfully, there are some treatments and solutions that could help the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder improve or subside. If you are suffering from symptoms of seasonal disorder and seasonal depression, seeking help could make a huge difference to the way you feel and improve your symptoms.
- Counseling: Counselling from a qualified professional can help with seasonal affective disorder. Having somebody to speak with freely can help to release tension and emotions that could be exacerbating your negative feelings.
- Speaking with friends: Spending time with trusted friends who care about you can help you to feel supported and loved during a difficult time. Rather than isolating yourself when you’re feeling low with seasonal depression, try to connect with friends and make some time to see and speak with them.
- Do something you enjoy: Doing something you enjoy can help you to feel better when you’re struggling with seasonal affective disorder. This could include spending time in nature, meeting up with friends, seeing your family, or going out to eat your favorite food.
- Light therapy: This form of therapy exposes you to natural daylight and other light sources that can help to improve your mood. People who suffer from seasonal affective disorder may benefit from this treatment on a regular basis. You can explore professional options for light therapy or consider phototherapy lamps and masks at home.
Finding help with seasonal affective disorder
You don’t need to struggle with this condition on your own. You can get professional help with seasonal affective disorder in Clearwater. If you’re feeling low and your low mood is coinciding with a change of the seasons, it could be time to visit TMS Advantage Clearwater for the help you need.
