As the seasons change and winter draws nearer each year, some people become depressed, seemingly for no reason. After a few months of colder days with less daylight and more darkness, these same people begin to feel better, happier, and more at peace when spring arrives.
This cycle of depression that arrives with darker days and disappears with the arrival of spring is known as seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). While most people diagnosed with SAD experience symptoms in the winter, a small number of people can experience summer-pattern SAD.
If you or someone you know might need help from a compassionate, professional team at a SAD treatment center in Los Angeles, CA, contact Illumination Mental Health at 747.285.7504.
Seasonal Affective Disorder or Holiday Blues?
Seasonal depression, or seasonal affective disorder, is attributed to the lack of natural sunlight in many areas of the world during the winter months. This lack of natural light can cause depression and anxiety.
It can also be compounded by the stress of the holiday blues. Even though all seasons have their own challenges, winter is the most difficult season for some people.
Some of the most common symptoms of SAD include:
- Feelings of depression that last most of the day, every day
- Experiencing changes in weight or appetite
- Trouble sleeping or oversleeping
- Having low energy levels
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
- Feeling sluggish
- Feeling agitated
- Overeating and weight gain
- Social withdrawal
Since SAD is a seasonal disorder, these symptoms return and resolve at about the same time each year and are related to changes in the seasons.
Seasonal affective disorder is cyclical depression that is recurring, and symptoms can range from mild to moderate and, in some cases, severe. SAD can affect people in any location, regardless of the climate. However, it is more prevalent in areas with lower amounts of sunlight and colder winters.
For example, in places with a good amount of natural sunlight year-round, such as Florida or here in California, only 1% of the population has SAD. In Michigan, where winters are harsh, cold, and dark, 15% of people are diagnosed with seasonal depression.
Finding Help from Our Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Center in CA
While some people with no symptoms of depression during any other time of the year suffer from mild or moderate SAD, those with a history of depression year-round can find that their depressive symptoms are more severe during the winter months.
Feelings are changed through changes in behavior, which is why it’s so important to get help through our seasonal affective disorder treatment program in Los Angeles, CA.
Finding the help you or a loved one needs to ease symptoms of depression and anxiety during the winter is easier than you might think. At Illumination Mental Health, we use evidence-based therapeutic modalities to help our guests achieve their goals and live their best lives.
How Our Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatment Center Can Help
There are various evidence-based treatments available for guests who come to Illumination Mental Health to treat SAD. These treatments fall into four categories, and they can be used alone or in different combinations.
Our seasonal affective disorder treatment program in Los Angeles, CA can include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Light therapy
- Vitamin D treatment
When you entrust Illumination as your seasonal affective disorder treatment center in CA, we will take the time to get to know you and to understand the feelings and emotions you are experiencing. We’ll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that outlines which combination of treatments is best for you.
Feel Better at Our SAD Treatment Center in Los Angeles, CA
Illumination Mental Health is the leading seasonal affective disorder treatment center in Los Angeles, CA. Reach out to our friendly, professional team to schedule a consultation. Contact Illumination Mental Health today at 747.285.7504 to learn more.
