Seasonal changes are known to negatively affect some people's mental health. Winter, in particular, is a time when seasonal affective disorder (SAD) rears its ugly head. If you are one of the millions of Americans affected by the disorder, it is important to take extra care of yourself to prevent it from happening.
Mental health refers to your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel, behave, make choices, handle stress, and interact with others. Mental health challenges can cause you to experience mood or behavioral changes and may make poor decisions under stress.
Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression related to changes in the seasons. A variety of symptoms start showing up at the beginning and end of winter when people tend to hibernate. This happens around the same time each year, usually November to March. Those affected in the cold seasons are said to have winter-pattern depression, which can negatively impact how they handle activities of daily life. Scientists suspect a drop in serotonin levels due to less sunlight during wintertime causes mood changes in individuals affected by SAD.
The signs and symptoms of winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder are recurrent. Some common symptoms mimic the symptoms of major depressive disorder:
Winter's adverse effects on your mental or emotional health usually subside by the start of spring. If it does not, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider or therapist right away, especially if you experience severe depressive symptoms such as thoughts of harming yourself or suicide.
Mental health changes that interfere with how you feel, think, act, and make decisions can affect your overall ability to function daily. Practicing self-care can help improve depression symptoms. For example:
While medications help, some people start abusing prescription drugs, alcohol, or illicit drugs to cope. Seasonal affective disorder can also worsen substance abuse disorder in those affected by drug or alcohol addiction.
Treatments are available to help you or your loved one affected by seasonal changes. Current approved treatments include light therapy, medication therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. San Antonio Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab that can provide dual diagnosis treatment if you are affected by seasonal depression and substance abuse or prescription drug abuse. Our comprehensive treatment programs and therapies include:
We continue to help men and women overcome depression, substance abuse, and other co-occurring mental disorders that threaten their well-being. Our certified doctors and behavioral therapists will follow an integrative treatment plan to address your needs through our rehab and aftercare programs. Start your recovery today. Call 866.957.7885, or contact us online for more information.
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