Should I Try Therapy If I Experience SAD?
Seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder is a very common experience here in the Pacific North West. So if we start to see symptoms of SAD, is therapy the answer?
The short answer is yes and no. There are a lot of additional reasons to seek a mental health provider, and SAD symptoms can be one reason. A lot of people try to “just get through” the season- which is also a choice that is completely up to each individual.
In my humble opinion, therapy can be a great place to identify if your symptoms are just from seasonal depression or if more is going on. This time of year tends to bring a lot of other stressors other than the weather changes. These potential stressors such as: navigating the school year, increased work loads, holiday prep, prep to see family, financial stressors, changes in routine, and many more yearly changes can influence our mental health.
For reference, the Mayo Clinic defines some SAD sympotms such as:
“Signs and symptoms of may include:
Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Having low energy and feeling sluggish
Having problems with sleeping too much
Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
Having difficulty concentrating
Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
Having thoughts of not wanting to live
Symptoms specific to winter-onset , sometimes called winter depression, may include:
Oversleeping
Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
Weight gain
Tiredness or low energy”
It is important to note that these symptoms can be connected to many other experiences of PTSD, Grief, Life Changes, ADHD, and Burnout. So talking to a therapist can help you identify the connections to these symptoms and how to support yourself in changing them.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms- talk to someone. Maybe you start by sharing with a trusted friend or loved one- and move on to requesting a session with a therapist.
*Please note this blog is based on opinion and is not medical or clinical mental health advice. 