Many of us dread the winter season as it approaches. While winter can bring the festive cheer of the holidays and the wonder of snow, it also produces a colder, darker, and drearier environment. During winter, the days are shorter, and the sun is less visible than it is during the warmer months. Due to our natural rhythms, this can make us susceptible to feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a lack of energy known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
SAD is more common than you may think, and its symptoms can be confusing and alarming, especially if you feel like yourself during the summer. At Upswing Psychiatry, our passionate team offers personalized, comprehensive seasonal affective disorder treatment in Amarillo. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how depression treatment could help you.
SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the shorter days of the fall and winter months. This depression is related to changes in the body’s hormone levels caused by reduced sunlight exposure. These changes lead to an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which play a significant role in mood regulation.
SAD affects about one in 10 people in the country. This disorder is more common in women than men, and those with a history of depression can be more prone to developing symptoms in the winter months. Symptoms of SAD include:
If you are struggling with these symptoms in Amarillo, our personalized treatment plans for seasonal affective disorder could be the solution you are looking for.
Treatment for SAD is different for everyone, and our Amarillo team could create an individualized care plan based on your unique needs. Common management for SAD includes psychotherapy with one of our licensed therapists. We also offer evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, which help clients process hardships, regulate emotions, and reframe negative thought patterns in a safe environment.
For some, therapy alone is not enough to resolve symptoms of SAD during the difficult winter months. Some patients benefit from medication management, which often includes antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs. If these medications do not work for you, we could also provide advanced treatments such as Spravato.
While our dedicated Amarillo team could provide clinical care for SAD, there are also holistic measures you can take at home to reduce your symptoms. Lifestyle modifications to treat symptoms of SAD include:
By taking these simple steps in the comfort of your home, you could boost your mood and improve your wellness. We can also provide other personalized recommendations during an initial consultation.
If you are enduring symptoms of SAD, our compassionate team at Upswing Psychiatry could support you. Our team's specialized training in psychotherapy, medication management, advanced treatments, and lifestyle modifications could help you treat SAD symptoms and achieve renewed wellness.
To experience the winter months with greater ease and optimism, contact us today to learn how you could receive personalized seasonal affective disorder treatment in Amarillo.