Like all forms of depression, seasonal depression is as unique as the millions of people whom it affects. This can make it challenging to identify the disorder in yourself or a loved one. Unfortunately, untreated seasonal depression rarely gets better on its own. Seasonal depression can affect every facet of a person’s life, including work performance or maintaining relationships. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments to help you or your loved one cope.
At True Life Center in beautiful San Diego, CA, we’re proud to offer a major depression treatment program with proven results. Our skilled and compassionate staff is waiting to assist you at our depression treatment center. Just call 866.420.1792 or reach out online to begin the journey toward better mental health through seasonal depression treatment.
Signs You May Be Struggling with Seasonal Depression
Seasonal depression, also referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), often corresponds with the darker months of the year. For many struggling with this disorder, depressive symptoms worsen in early fall and improve in early spring. This cycle may repeat yearly unless it’s addressed.
Some of the signs that you or your loved one may have seasonal depression include:
- Insomnia is common, or sleep is disturbed in other ways.
- You or your loved one experiences deflated or low mood almost every day for most of the day.
- Irritability and mood swings are recurring issues.
- You or your loved one feels worthless, guilty, or hopeless.
- Pursuits that previously brought joy are no longer engaging.
- Thoughts about death or suicide are frequent.
The Best Things You Can Do for Your Seasonal Depression
While everyone experiences some “down” days, it’s vital to take a lasting pattern seriously. Seeking professional help is the absolute best thing you can do for seasonal depression. Nevertheless, there are many seasonal depression tips, some of which you can utilize on your own as well. Some of these tips include:
- Talk to someone-A consistent support system is one of the most effective resources for coping with depression. This network could include family, friends, support groups, or medical professionals like doctors or therapists. The bottom line is that sharing how you’re feeling is key to avoiding isolation and worsening symptoms.
- Stay active-Exercising for 30 minutes a day, three to five days of the week, can significantly reduce depressive symptoms. If you don’t have the time for that commitment, even 10 to 15-minute sessions can make a noticeable difference. For the best results, exercise outside where you can enjoy as much fresh air and sunlight as possible, boosting endorphins and serotonin, which are brain chemicals that are key to happiness.
- Try light therapy-Sunny days make most people happy, but for those with seasonal depression, getting enough exposure to light is key for mental well-being. Light therapy, usually delivered through a light box or another artificial light source that mimics sunlight, can work wonders for those living in regions with long winters or many overcast days per year. It’s important to note that a safe light box should limit ultraviolet light exposure as much as possible since this form of light can cause cancer.
- Seek cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) from a licensed therapist-This form of talk therapy helps patients identify negative thought patterns and substitute them with positive ones. Patients also often benefit from a CBT technique called behavioral activation. In this approach, they work to identify and make concrete plans to engage in activities that bring them joy no matter the weather.
- Talk to your doctor about medication-For some, a pharmaceutical approach may be highly effective. SSRIs directly work on the brain’s serotonin system to improve mood, and other types of antidepressants may also be right for you or your loved one.
Choose True Life Center for Seasonal Depression Treatment
Why wait to seek help with seasonal depression? Our staff at the True Life Center is standing by to answer any questions you might have about our seasonal depression treatment. We offer a unique approach to mental health called Neurobioogal Integration, which allows us to create a custom-fit treatment plan for each patient. We believe that body and mind are intimately connected and are happy to offer services including mindfulness practice, acupuncture, yoga, and Qi Gong in tandem with individual therapy. Reach out to us online or call 866.420.1792 for more information about our depression treatment in San Diego.
