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Discover how starting seasonal depression therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We’ll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.
Seasonal depression therapy treats seasonal affective disorder, a condition that results from the shift of seasons—often from fall into winter, which means it’s tied to less daylight exposure. Treatment is similar to what’s done for depression, but with the addition of other techniques that address the source of the depressed state (light exposure or seasonal change).
Seasonal depression therapy can utilize techniques like CBT as well as medications like SSRIs, depending on the severity of an individual’s symptoms. Light therapy, which involves sitting by a “light box” for a certain amount of time each day to increase one’s daily exposure to daylight in darker climates, is another common approach.
Thriveworks seasonal depression in Maumelle is conducted both in person and virtually via online counseling. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Seasonal depression therapy may last as long as symptoms last, which can be four or more months, though treatment can start taking effect in just a few weeks. Some people may also prefer to get continual support from a mental health professional for their seasonal affective disorder in order to treat it more effectively. Because of this, treatment duration will likely vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the client’s personal goals. Thriveworks Maumelle therapists work with clients to create goals and potential timelines for treatment.
What exactly does the winter have to do with mental health? A lot, as it turns out. In the cooler months of the fall and winter, some people experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). We all know there’s less sunlight during the winter. What many don’t realize is that it can cause unexpected changes in mental health. If you are experiencing a depressed mood in the winter (or other specific times of year), reach out to Thriveworks Maumelle for help. We can assess, diagnose, and treat seasonal affective disorder.
Our mood is significantly impacted by the amount of sunlight we receive, since lower sunlight levels combined with the time change can alter melatonin (related to sleep regulation) and serotonin levels (affects mood). Additionally, people often don’t make movement a priority during the winter, and exercise is an important preventative measure to take for almost all mental health disorders. People who experience SAD usually feel some of the below symptoms during the winter and early spring, but feel fine once the days stretch out again in late spring and summer.
SAD is a subset of major depression that includes (Mayo Clinic):
Additionally, winter- and fall-onset seasonal affective disorder may include:
Most of these symptoms are relatively harmless if experienced one at at a time—and only on occasion—but if you experience more than one at a time, or any of them for an on-going period, it’s crucial to take action. In particular, if you experience lasting changes in appetite or on-going depression, it’s a good idea to contact a counselor in order to avoid negative changes in your health. During your sessions, we’ll work on addressing any negative thoughts or behaviors that are making you feel worse. Our experienced counselors can also help you learn how to manage stress and anxiety, both of which contribute to the severity of S.A.D effects.
There are a few steps you can take to improve your mood immediately, including exercising regularly and opening the blinds and curtains in your home to let more light in. If the weather is temperate enough, consider taking daily walks outside to get more exposure to direct sunlight.
If you think you’re feeling the effects of seasonal affective disorder, know that you are not alone. It impacts thousands of people each year, many of whom aren’t aware of what’s going on, instead blaming their mood on the stress of the holidays or the cold weather. The good news is you don’t have to accept this as “just the way things are.” Treatment is available, and with it, you can enjoy life year-round.
As always, Thriveworks Maumelle counselors are here for you, even if you’re not exactly sure what the problem is. We don’t have a waiting list. If you want to feel better, we can help. Thriveworks Maumelle Counseling can be reached online or by phone at 501.628.9066
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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