Common Concerns
Depression: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder | CAPS Depression Page | Depression and Antidepressant MedicationDo you have more down times or feel more depressed when season changes from fall to winter? Take the following simple tests to assess whether you might be dealing with seasonal affective disorder.
- Have less energy than usual during the late fall / winter
- Sleep more, but awaken still feeling tired during the late fall / winter
- Feel less productive or creative during the late fall / winter
- Experience more memory and concentration problems during the late fall / winter
- Feel less outgoing and social than usual during the late fall / winter
- Find that you do not cope as well with stress during the late fall / winter
- Feel less enthusiastic about the future or enjoy your life less during the late fall / winter
If two or more of the above statements apply to you in a rather consistent manner during the cold, dark seasons, you may be one of the many who are affected by seasonal affective disorder.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a cyclical type of depression usually experienced in the fall and winter months, and appears to have a strong connection to insufficient light. As the days shorten and become cloudier in fall and winter, many people experience an increase in SAD symptoms.
What is the difference between SAD and the "winter blues?" The winter blues can usually be helped with increased physical activity and increased amounts of light in your living and work environments. However, people who are dealing with SAD may need more intensive treatment that might include medication, counseling, and/or phototherapy.
If you think you might be dealing with SAD, make an appointment at CAPS and discuss your specific symptoms with a counselor and a treatment plan can be discussed.