Seasonal Affective Disorder: How to Know to Get Help

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It is estimated that around 5% of the population experiences SAD, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. If you find that your mood significantly changes with the seasons and that this affects your daily life, professional help for seasonal affective disorder can provide the necessary support and treatment. Today, we discuss the clues that it may be time to seek help with SAD.

Many of Us Experience Seasonal Affective Disorder

Many of us feel a bit low as the days get shorter and colder. In fact, the majority of us begin to feel less than our best selves, to one degree or another.

We talk to each other and share our frustration with the onset of the gloom that often hits just as the holiday season is upon us.

But there’s a difference between feeling a little low and having full onset SAD.

It’s key to know how these experiences differ so that we realize when we need to seek help for seasonal affective disorder.

Also, it may be useful to know that those who experience bipolar disorder may be especially prone to severe seasonal affective disorder and may need professional help more frequently to overcome SAD.

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Signs to Seek Help

Here are some of the signs to look out for:

• SAD is characterized by mood changes, typically with symptoms of depression. You may feel sad, listless, or lacking interest in activities that you used to enjoy. If your mood consistently and noticeably changes, especially to the point of feeling hopeless, seek help for SAD.

• People with SAD often experience increased fatigue and low energy. If you find yourself feeling excessively tired and lacking motivation, it could be a sign of SAD. If these symptoms are so intense that they prevent you from carrying out daily tasks and/or interfere with work or care for yourself and your family, it’s time to seek help.

• SAD can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or oversleeping. Significant changes in your sleep patterns may be an indicator of SAD. If insomnia lasts for more than several days, it may be time to seek professional help. Obtain the guidance you need on how to regulate your sleep and establish healthy sleep routines.

• SAD can lead to social withdrawal and reduced interest in activities or social interactions. If you find yourself avoiding social situations or isolating yourself, it may be a sign of SAD. Seek professional help if you are unable to bring yourself to participate in social interactions or find yourself becoming progressively disconnected.

• Those with severe cases of SAD may experience thoughts of hopelessness or even suicidal ideation. If you find yourself having frequent thoughts like these, it is essential to seek help immediately. Reach out to a mental health professional or a helpline.

When to Seek Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD can significantly impact your mental health and overall well-being.

It’s important to pay attention to signs that you may need professional help for challenges related to SAD.

The most common symptoms include changes in mood, increased fatigue, disruptions in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, social withdrawal, and thoughts of hopelessness.

Consulting with a mental health professional can provide a diagnosis, develop an appropriate treatment plan, and offer strategies to manage and alleviate the symptoms of SAD.

You do not have to suffer alone.

Help and support are available to help you navigate through SAD, build you resiliency, and regain control of your life.

Thank you as always for reading.

Know you need never be alone. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text MHA to 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

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KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years as a consultant. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate coaching and leadership, including mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from relevant experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.