Do you or your loved one feel seriously down or sad in late fall or late spring? You may have seasonal depression, otherwise known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). As a rule, people with this condition need help from a depression treatment program. But formal treatment isn’t the only element of effective SAD recovery. In addition, you can take advantage of a range of expert tips for improving your sense of wellness.
For extensive information on how to manage seasonal depression, talk to the team at Sophros Recovery Tampa. We feature customized programs that help you deal with SAD’s effects while also recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. Just call us today at 813.686.6306 for more details.
Do You Struggle with Seasonal Depression?
Do you have seasonal depression? The answer may be yes if you develop major depression symptoms whenever winter or summer approaches. Most of these symptoms are linked to both winter- and summer-pattern SAD. That includes classic depression-related issues such as sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, and unexplained aches and pains. If you have fall-winter SAD, you may also:
- Oversleep
- Overeat
- Withdraw from social contact.
If you’re affected by spring-summer SAD, you may:
- Eat less than usual
- Have difficulty sleeping
- Feel anxious or restless
In addition, you may act in unusually aggressive or violent ways. A doctor can help you determine if either form of SAD is present.
5 Tips to Combat Seasonal Depression
Like all forms of major depression, SAD should be treated by trained professionals. However, as those professionals will tell you, self-care is an essential part of your recovery. Here are some self-care options for combatting SAD:
- Exercise regularly – Even small amounts of habitual exercise can help you fight depression
- Eat healthy foods – A balanced diet can help improve your sense of mental well-being
- Increase exposure to natural sunlight – If you’re affected by fall-winter SAD, sun exposure may help ease your symptoms, especially early in the day
- Stay socially active – Social contact can help you feel less isolated and improve your daily mood
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule – A stable sleep schedule can help you feel more rested and avoid oversleeping
Avoidance of drugs and alcohol can also help you maintain a more stable daily mood.
Managing Seasonal Depression with Professional Treatment
Several types of formal treatment exist for seasonal depression. Light therapy is often a go-to option for fall-winter SAD. This therapy requires you to spend some time each day in front of an extremely bright light box. It may be especially beneficial if you don’t have ready access to natural sunlight.
Many people with SAD take part in psychotherapy. One common option, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), comes in a form specifically intended to treat seasonal depression. You may also receive antidepressants, either by themselves or in combination with therapy.
Start Depression Treatment Today at Sophros Recovery Tampa
Formal treatment is your frontline defense against SAD. Certain forms of self-care also tend to make you feel better. To learn more about how to cope with seasonal depression or to begin depression treatment, call the professionals at Sophros Recovery Tampa at 813.686.6306. You can also reach us online. With our help, you can take steps to ease SAD’s effects on you. At the same time, you can start your recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Don’t wait—let us help today.
