Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment

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Seasonal Affective Disorder is a term which has been used to describe people whose moods are affected by seasonal changes, particularly in the winter months.

Also referred to as seasonal depression, this disorder is something that can negatively affect a person’s life. Some of the signs and symptoms of seasonal depression include feeling low, unhappiness and feeling run down.

Find out more about Seasonal Affective Disorder and available treatments here.

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Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that arises during the autumn and winter months.  Inducing pessimistic thoughts and feelings, individuals that experience seasonal affective disorder often require treatment.

However, a lack of information surrounding seasonal affective disorder sees many individuals silently suffering from a low mood, decreased motivation and a lack of interest in hobbies and day-to-day life.

At Rehab Clinics Group, we offer seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatment to those in need at many of our rehab treatment centres.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Before discussing the treatment available for seasonal affective disorders, it is beneficial to determine what the signs and symptoms associated are.

Below, you will find several physical and psychological symptoms that often come hand-in-hand with seasonal affective disorder.

  • Feeling extremely low and despondent
  • Feeling somewhat pessimistic
  • Feeling increasingly irritable
  • Feeling run down, lethargic and sluggish
  • Lack of interest in hobbies or activities that are otherwise enjoyed
  • Experiencing weight gain
  • Sleeping for longer

If you experience any of the above signs and symptoms, you will likely benefit from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatment.

 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment

Various treatments are available to individuals that find themselves experiencing seasonal affective disorder.  However, the most common treatments include light therapy, psychological therapy and medication.

 

Light Therapy

As seasonal affective disorder usually only arises in the autumn and winter months, light therapy is considered a highly effective treatment method.

This is because light therapy essentially mimics sunlight exposure.  As light therapy is secured, many individuals suffering from seasonal affective disorder experience an elevated mood.

Light therapy is often carried out by professionals in rehab. However, it can also be carried out from the comfort of your own home.

 

Psychological Therapy

Psychological therapy is one of the most commonly experienced seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatments.

Typically consisting of talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy, individuals who encounter psychological therapy will be encouraged to voice their thoughts and feelings.

In doing so, coping strategies can be created to ensure that they can manage their disorder more efficiently.

 

Medication

Although medication will be a last resort, if your seasonal affective disorder is so severe that it reduces the quality of your life, you may be prescribed antidepressant medications.

 

Additional Remedies For Seasonal Affective Disorder

In addition to the above seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatments, lifestyle changes during the autumn and winter months are recommended.

For example, if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder, going for a walk during daylight hours will help alleviate the symptoms you experience.  Likewise, participating in frequent exercise will release endorphins and see you feeling more optimistic.

 

Secure Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment At One Of Our Rehabs Today

If you find yourself struggling with seasonal affective disorder, you must seek treatment today.

At Rehab Clinics Group, we can help you secure seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatment at one of our rehabilitation centres.

When you call us, our admissions team will be on hand to answer any questions you have.  They will also discuss your disorder with you to determine which of our centres will provide you with the most effective treatment.

If you are happy to attend one of our centres, our admissions team will provide you with a suitable admissions date to commence treatment.

Please note that as all of our rehabs are residential rehabs, you will be required to complete your treatment with us on an inpatient basis.

 

Contact Us Today

To find out more about our seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatment or our rehab centres, call us directly on 0800 470 0382.

With our help, we are confident that you will overcome the ramifications of your disorder.

 

Sources

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/seasonal-affective-disorder/

https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/mental-health/sad#:~:text=It%20affects%20around%20three%20in,winter%2C%20speak%20to%20your%20GP.

 

Our Frequently Asked Questions

Although many individuals will experience the signs and symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder, a large percentage of people fail to realise that seasonal affective disorder is indeed a disorder that requires treatment.

As a result, many go left undiagnosed and untreated.

To help you understand what seasonal affective disorder is, who it impacts, when it is likely to arise, and the treatment available, we have answered many of our frequently asked questions below.

If you have a question about seasonal affective disorder or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.

  • Who Does Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Impact?

    Although seasonal affective disorder can impair the lives of just about anyone, individuals with depression and bipolar disorder are at greater risk of developing this specific disorder. At present, it is believed that up to 20% of people with depression struggle with seasonal affective disorder.  Meanwhile, approximately 25% of people with bipolar disorder simultaneously struggle with seasonal affective disorder.

  • When Is An Individual More Likely To Develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

    Although seasonal affective disorders can arise from a young age, research carried out by BUPA has determined that the disorder often occurs when an individual is in their 20’s and 30’s.

  • What Are The Different Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment Options?

    As touched on above, there are various treatment options available for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Should you attend one of our rehabs in the United Kingdom or Spain, you will be provided with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) treatment based on your needs.  The treatment offered will also be dependent upon the centre that you are referred to. For example, if you attend Asana Lodge, you will likely encounter Satori Chair Therapy.  If you attend Cassiobury Court or Ocean Recovery, you are more likely to encounter psychological therapy. Regardless of the centre you attend, you will be required to complete a medical assessment before commencing treatment. This assessment will ensure that our psychologists and medical teams understand how seasonal affective disorder has impaired your life and the psychological ramifications you experience. Following your medical assessment, you will be provided with a personalised treatment programme that will enable you to overcome your disorder. Typically, the treatments you will receive include psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, light therapy, well-being therapy and stress management.