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As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, many people find themselves feeling a little “off.” This can be more than just the typical winter blues — it can be a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you’ve noticed that your mood dips significantly when the seasons change, you’re not alone. But there’s good news: there are ways to cope with and even prevent the worst of SAD’s symptoms.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It’s believed to be related to changes in light exposure, which can affect the production of important brain chemicals such as serotonin and melatonin. The lack of sunlight in winter can disrupt your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, leading to changes in sleep patterns and mood regulation.
For some people, these seasonal shifts trigger depressive symptoms that can significantly impact their daily lives. The disorder can be so severe for some individuals that it interferes with work, relationships, and overall quality of life. At Arbor Counseling Center, we have counselors available who are clinically trained in providing therapy for SAD treatment.
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