Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is more than just “winter blues.” The symptoms can be distressing and overwhelming and can interfere with daily functioning. People with SAD experience symptoms of depression at roughly the same time each year. However, it can be treated. The prevalence of SAD varies with geographical latitude, age and sex. The prevalence increases at higher latitudes with SAD being more common in people living far from the equator where there are fewer daylight hours in the winter. SAD usually develops in autumn and winter and then tends to disappear around Spring and Summer, although, in some people they develop these symptoms in Spring and Summer. Younger people and women are at a higher risk of being affected by SAD.
It is thought to be caused by changes in light exposure, which lead to changes to the body’s circadian rhythms (its ‘body clock’). At different times of the year, the body produces different amounts of melatonin and serotonin, which affect mood.
Symptoms of SAD in winter & summer
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder in winter include:
- Low mood
- Sleeping too much
- Lack of energy and fatigue
- Changes in appetite, in particular craving carbohydrates and sugary foods
- Weight Gain
- Loss of interest in normal activities
Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder in summer include:
- Low mood
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Lack of energy
- Decrease in appetite
- Weight loss
- Agitation or Anxiety
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Increased irritability
In either case the symptoms usually start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.
How is seasonal affective disorder treated?
Treatments are available to help those with SAD. These treatments can fall under four main categories.
- Light Therapy (Phototherapy)
- This involves exposure to a bright light after waking in the morning. It can affect your brain chemistry and relieve your symptoms relatively quickly.
- Medication — such as antidepressants (in severe cases)
- These medications can be effective for SAD when used alone or in combination with talk therapy.
- Psychotherapy (Talk therapy or counselling)
- This can help with SAD by teaching them new ways of thinking and behaving as well as changing habits that can help contribute to depression.
- Hypnotherapy
- Is a natural alternative that allows you to quickly and easily move from a depressive state to one of motivation and vitality. Most clients find resolution for their depression within three sessions; however, some may require further follow-up sessions.
How Hypnosis can help treat your Seasonal Affective Disorder
Suffering from SAD can be overwhelming and exhausting, but the amazing Clinical Hypnotherapists at Perth Hypnosis Clinic are the unsung heroes of psychological well-being. Their sessions allow you to move from a depressive state to one of motivation and vitality. By creating a state of profound relaxation and focus, this allows you to tap into the power of your mind and initiate positive change. This approach can help you overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder and enable you to embrace life to its fullest potential.