Could You Be Experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

As the winter quickly approaches and the days shorten, we want to ensure that your mental well-being is being consistent throughout the year. While this may not be your first time hearing about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it’s important that you do not shake these signs or symptoms off as the “winter blues.” We would encourage you to talk with your healthcare provider about how to take care of your mental health as there are several treatments that your provider may suggest. These include:

• Light Therapy:  this involves sitting near a special light box for about an hour in the morning. It is recommended that you use your light before noon to ensure that it is not providing too much stimulation and interfering with your sleep schedule.  Light therapy will typically start providing results within a couple days.  Before you purchase a box, please talk with your doctor about if they have any recommendations about what features and/or options may be best for you.
• Talk therapy:  meet with a therapist to discuss any stressors in your life and how to manage them by learning coping skills that are personalized for you. Together, your therapist and you may work together to identify and change negative thoughts that may be holding you back from feeling your best.
• Medication:  talk with your doctor about if an antidepressant may be helpful.  In future years, your doctor may encourage that you start taking medication prior to the onset of any symptoms. Please know that it may take several weeks to notice the medications being helpful.
• Mind-body connection: meditation and relaxation techniques such as yoga have shown to help decrease stress

If you feel you are experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) please call Tellurian at (608)-222-7311, to talk to one of our highly experienced staff who can help you find the resources you may need. You can read more here.

By: Erin Kollenbroich, Director of Mental Health