Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - How To Tackle It?

Are you suffering from seasonal depression triggered by the change in season? This condition is known as a seasonal affective disorder or SAD and primarily occurs during the winter. It usually starts when the days start getting colder and shorter. SAD requires treatment as it limits an affected person’s ability to smoothly carry out his or her everyday activities. Here are the several methods by which SAD can be treated or dealt with:

1. Light therapy boxes: Light therapy boxes emit light which mimics sunshine in a particular way. This helps in recovery from SAD. The light from these therapy boxes are brighter than normal light bulbs and are of various wavelengths. The patient is required to sit in front of a light box for a period of 30 minutes every day. As a result, the circadian rhythms of the body get stimulated and the natural release of melatonin is suppressed. Light therapy is very effective when undertaken in the morning after waking up. It is a very common treatment used to cure SAD.
2. Dawn simulators: Dawn simulators help in the management of SAD. These are devices which work as alarm clocks. However, instead of waking you up abruptly by means of a beep or loud music, they produce light which increases in intensity gradually, just like the sun. There are several models of dawn simulators which are available in the market. You should choose a dawn simulator, which uses a full spectrum light. This form depicts natural sunlight. For people with mild SAD, dawn simulators are as effective as light therapy.
3. Consult a doctor: SAD is a type of depression and it is recommended that you consult a psychiatrist. Several screening questions are asked to a patient to determine his/her level of depression. A doctor will also observe whether your depression is because of SAD or any other factor.
4. Antidepressants: In case, psychotherapy or light therapy fails to cure your SAD and the accompanying depression, you should take prescribed antidepressants. These medicines might help in overcoming your seasonal depression. Try to avoid medicines which make you feel sleepy. If you have SAD, you should take antidepressants every winter and not just during the winters when you feel the blues.

It is very important for you to recognise the symptoms of SAD when they start showing and consult a doctor immediately. This will prevent the symptoms from escalating and you will be able to get early treatment.