Tue Mar 01 2022
How to Cope With Seasonal Depression
Simply put, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of mood disorder that is portrayed by sadness or gloominess that occurs at the same time every year.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Akinwande Akintola, MD
Dual board-certified · Johns Hopkins fellowship-trained
Simply put, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of mood disorder that is portrayed by sadness or gloominess that occurs at the same time every year. This type of depression is more likely to occur during the winter when there is not enough sunlight. The signs and symptoms of seasonal depression can be very similar to that severe depression hence making it very difficult to diagnose.
We have put together signs and symptoms to watch out for and how to cope with them.
Signs & Symptoms of seasonal depression
Fatigue
Sadness
Feeling of hopelessness
Social withdrawal.
Irritability
Coping mechanism
Daily Exercise
Light therapy (phototherapy)
Talk therapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Socializing
Vitamin D supplement (you can get this over the counter)
Medications (if needed).
Trusted Resources & Sources
NIMH — Depression Overview
Prevalence, symptoms, and evidence-based treatments
CDC — Mental Health Data & Statistics
National survey data on depressive disorders
APA — Depression Fact Sheet
Clinical guidance from the American Psychological Association
Lyte Psychiatry articles are reviewed by board-certified psychiatrists and reference peer-reviewed research and federal health agency data.
Related Services
Lyte Psychiatry — Texas & New Mexico
Depression Treatment in Texas
Medication management and therapy for major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal depression.
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