Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment in Massachusetts

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder–often abbreviated as SAD–is a type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year. The most common time is during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. It is a particular subtype of depression.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder in Massachusetts, contact Colony Care Behavioral Health to schedule a consultation. You may request an appointment through our secure online form, which allows our intake team to find the best clinician for you individually. We have locations in Wellesley, Yarmouth Port, Arlington, and Weymouth, and we offer care through secure telemedicine to individuals throughout Massachusetts.

Who is most often affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD can affect anyone, but it is often more pronounced in people living in higher latitudes with long, dark winters.

How does Seasonal Affective Disorder differ from other Depression Disorders?

Often the symptoms of SAD are similar to those of major depressive disorder but are specifically linked to seasonal change. This means symptoms typically subside or lessen as the months progress into spring and summer seasons, but are likely to return once winter approaches.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Common symptoms of SAD include:

• Low mood
• Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
• Feelings of irritability
• Decreased energy
• Fatigue
• Increased need for sleep or excessive sleeping
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Reduced interest in activities you previously enjoyed
• Difficulty concentrating

Diagnosing Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a real and recognized mental health condition, not just “in your head.” It’s a type of depression that occurs in a seasonal pattern. If you suspect you may have SAD, talk to Colony Care Behavioral Health today. Diagnosing this may take patience and understanding, but we can work together.

Colony Care Behavioral Health may suggest:

• Talking about your medical history
• Discussing the impact on your daily life
• Seeing if symptoms occur at specific times of the year
• Ruling out other medical conditions or causes
• Evaluating your mental health

Treatment Options for SAD

As you work with Colony Care Behavioral Health, you can develop a plan to help manage the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Fortunately, there are effective treatments for managing and alleviating the symptoms.

Some common treatment options include:

• Using a light box to mimic natural sunlight to improve mood
• Prescribing medications like antidepressants
• Changing negative though patterns and behaviors with counseling and therapy
• Making healthy lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and sleep to stay active and boost mood
• Taking vitamin D supplements to help with low sunlight exposure
• Connect with others, plan activities, and nurture relationships to boost mood