Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Signs You Need Help

Do you regularly get feelings of anxiety or depression as fall drifts into winter, and think to yourself, “Oh, it’s that time of year again”? If so, you could be feeling SAD — in other words, you have what is known as seasonal affective disorder.

Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Ifeanyi Olele of Genesis Psychiatric Solutions offers screening, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of depression, including SAD. Here are the signs to watch out for.

SAD: The basics

Seasonal affective disorder typically causes a severe mood dip that starts in the fall and gets steadily worse in the winter. A few people have the reverse, experiencing mood dips in the spring and summer.

Common symptoms of SAD include oversleeping, overeating (especially carbohydrates, or comfort food), weight gain, and fatigue in addition to a low mood, unexplained feelings of sadness, and disinterest in things that you used to enjoy.

Treatment for SAD

Treatment for SAD can be similar to treatment for other depressive disorders. Dr Olele may recommend a combination of antidepressants and talk therapy. But there are a few other treatment options for SAD that are different, thanks to the factors behind SAD.

Common threads in SAD patients

Many people with SAD start having symptoms when the amount of light they get per day is reduced due to seasons changing. Bright light therapy using a light box that mimics natural sunlight can help.

Vitamin D deficiency due to a lack of sunshine can affect sleep regularity and quality. Taking vitamin D supplements may improve your body’s circadian rhythm. If you sleep better at night, you can feel better during the day.

Being proactive with your SAD can help a lot with preventing symptoms. If you know that your mood suddenly plummets starting in October every year, start your treatment routines in September to get ahead of the downturn. Eating properly, exercising, and getting enough sleep can make a big difference.

Signs you need help with your SAD

Like with any type of depressive disorder, you should seek help when symptoms start disrupting your life or endangering your health. If you feel bad mentally and emotionally most of every day for at least two weeks, seek help from a specialist like Dr. Olele.

You should also seek treatment for SAD if you start thinking that you wish you didn’t exist, experiencing instances of self-harm, or having thoughts of suicide. Dr. Olele can diagnose your condition and start a treatment plan.

Do you think you may have SAD? It’s easy to schedule a consultation with Dr. Olele. Just contact our closest location. We have offices in Alexandria and Fairfax, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Dr. Olele can also deliver services via telemedicine.