Effective Ways To Deal With Seasonal Affective Disorder

Depression of any type is a serious mental illness. People from around the world are dealing with various types of mental illnesses due to multiple factors. One of the most common mental disorders is depression. When the depressive episodes come and go quite often then this condition is called a seasonal affective disorder (SAD). the most apparent and frequent episodes occur during the fall season when the people are restricted to their houses. This is the sole reason the seasonal affective disorder is called ‘winter depression. 

People get depressed during the summer season also. The sleeping patterns and eating habits are the prominent symptoms that indicate a change in cognitive thinking. This disorder is not only associated with seasonal changes but also a particular time of the year when a person has experienced any trauma. Every year when that time of the year arrives, the affected person feels depressed and detached from the outside world. A healthy mind requires mindfulness which affects our body and soul. Therefore, it is important to keep the mind buddy in positive thinking. 

Causes of SAD

The exact cause of SAD is unknown but sunlight has been known to be closely linked with SAD. lack of sunlight may lower the serotonin levels responsible for mood swings, sleep, and appetite.  Due to low exposure to sunlight, the melatonin levels become higher resulting in longer periods of sleep. The hypothalamus is an important part of the brain which is linked to cognitive behaviors. When the hypothalamus is deeply affected, episodes of SAD are likely to occur. 

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The following symptoms can be noticed in SAD patients. The depressive episodes can be controlled by taking proper medication and therapy. 

• Loss of interest in a normal routine
• Feeling of sadness
• Existential crisis
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Loss of energy
• Binge-eating
• Sleeping for longer periods of time
• Feeling of worthlessness

These symptoms must not be left untreated. Over the years, various psychologists have come up with many effective methods to cure depression. 

When should you consider visiting your GP?

If you are experiencing multiple episodes of depression every now and then and you have noticed a pattern then it is highly recommended that you visit your GP. Your GP may ask you about your moods, feelings, thoughts, eating habits, and sleeping patterns to properly diagnose SAD. 

Treatment

Due to constant research on this illness, psychologists have come up with various methodologies to treat depressive episodes. 

• Psychotherapy

A psychotherapist tries to monitor the symptoms of SAD closely and extract the root cause of this illness. During psychotherapy, your negative thoughts are eliminated to replace them with positive thoughts. Your mind is conditioned in a way that the harsh memories get faded over time. 

• Medications

Anti-depressants like Wellbutrin are prescribed to treat the adverse symptoms of SAD. Psychiatrists recommend Wellbutrin as it calms the nerves and soothes the mind. You can get a discount on Wellbutrin XL by logging onto the website of Pricepro pharmacy. 

• Light therapy

A special lamp called lightbox is placed near the affected patient to increase exposure to sunlight. The sunlight may increase the serotonin levels resulting in better sleeping pattern and eating habits.