SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is a form of depression linked to the changes in the season. In most cases, the person’s seasonal depression appears and disappears around the same time each year. For many people, these symptoms may begin in autumn and continue throughout the winter, draining your energy and making you highly emotional. However, in some cases, the condition starts in the spring and goes through the hot days of summer.
If you’re suffering from this specialized form of depression and have turned to alcohol or drugs for relief, there is help and hope available. Reach out to Crossroads Maine at 877.978.1667 or by using our convenient form today.
Symptoms of Seasonal Depression
If you’re battling seasonal affective disorder, you may be wondering how it is different from major depressive disorders. One of the main differences is that major depressive disorder does not follow a set schedule. It may linger for periods of two weeks or more, then disappear without warning.
However, if you’re struggling with seasonal depression you can predict its pattern most of the time. It may usually come around September or October, then disappear sometime around March or April. In addition, while people with a major depressive disorder tend to sleep less and lose weight, those with seasonal depression may bring symptoms of increased appetite and lack of energy.
There are a wide array of characteristics of seasonal affective disorder. While not everyone experiences all of the symptoms, if you have this condition, you may experience:
- Craving carbohydrates
- Overeating
- Weight gain
- Daytime fatigue
- Oversleeping and hypersomnia
- Decreased interest in usual activities, socialization, or sex
- Hopelessness
- Lethargy
In addition, you may experience suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide. If you’re experiencing this symptom, it’s vital to reach out to mental health treatment professionals as soon as possible. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Then, you should seek professional treatment from a mental health treatment program such as the one at Crossroads Maine. Contact our team today at 877.978.1667 to learn how to overcome your seasonal affective disorder.
Treatment For Seasonal Depression
There are several things that you can do to manage your condition. For instance, you may need to consider participating in some form of exercise each day. Taking a walk for half an hour or practicing a yoga routine can significantly improve your mental well-being. You may also benefit from light therapy. During light therapy, you may use a lightbox, or artificial high-intensity sunlight, each day. This treatment is beneficial because regular indoor lights are not sufficient to address the condition.
You may also significantly benefit from mental health treatment. During mental health treatment sessions, you’ll participate in individual and group therapy sessions where you’ll develop coping mechanisms to manage your condition. Many therapeutic modalities may be useful for addressing seasonal depression, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
You don’t have to manage your condition alone. When you reach out to a women’s treatment center like Crossroads Maine, you’ll find the care and support you need to enjoy your life year-round.
Contact Crossroads Maine
To manage their depression or seasonal depression symptoms, many women turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. However, doing so can lead to addiction and other life-altering consequences. If you have found yourself with an addiction due to a mental health condition, our dual diagnosis treatment program can help. We will simultaneously address both conditions, giving you the support you need to overcome your situation. We offer a range of addiction treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Benzo addiction treatment
To learn more about how our women’s treatment program can help you, reach out to Crossroads Maine using our helpful online form or calling 877.978.1667 today.
