As the winter months draw close, those living with Seasonal Affective Disorder come to dread the grey, snowy weather. You may have heard the phrase before, but what exactly do you need to know about this condition?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression linked to the change of seasons, especially fall and winter months. Symptoms usually start to present themselves in the fall months. These symptoms intensify in the winter months.

Those living with this disorder often feel as if their energy is completely drained in the fall and winter months. Other symptoms include sleeping much more than you normally would, feeling irritable and being very sensitive to social rejection. Some patients also feel like their limbs are very heavy.

Fortunately, there are many options for treatment to help those living with this condition!Seasonal Affective Disorder

First of all, working with a Seasonal Affective Disorder counselor is the best thing you can do for yourself. Your counselor will work with you to create an action plan to help treat the symptoms of the disorder. Your  counselor will help you name and shift negative thoughts and actions, get your stress under control, and suggest healthy methods to deal with your symptoms.

In addition to working with a counselor, common treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder include light therapy and medications.

Light therapy, or phototherapy, incorporates a light box that imitates the light of the sun. Sitting close to a light box for a designated amount of time each day can actually change the chemicals in your brain!

If your symptoms have gotten severe, your counselor may prescribe an anti-depressant. These medications can help to balance the chemicals in your brain that are lacking due to Seasonal Affective Disorder counselor.

The bottom line about Seasonal Affective Disorder is when gets in the way of you living your life, it’s time to see Seasonal Affective Disorder counselor. Don’t let the weather forecast negatively effect your emotional well-being.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you live in the St. Paul, MN area and are living with Seasonal Affective Disorder, I encourage you to reach out to me before the dark winter months. I have years of experience as a Seasonal Affective Disorder counselor. To set up your appointment, call us today at 612-643-1920 or send us an email.