“For this treatment to be effective, the light box must be consistently used every day starting as soon as the symptoms begin and continuing through March and April,” says Dr. Light therapy involves the use of a light box which produces bright artificial light that the patient simply looks at every morning, initially for 15 minutes and gradually increasing to 30 minutes. The first line of treatment for SAD is light therapy (phototherapy), which is inexpensive and convenient as it can be done at home. Without intervention, SAD symptoms will usually persist and worsen throughout the winter months, often becoming debilitating. If a diagnosis of SAD is confirmed, beginning treatment is essential. Knowing that your symptoms aren’t life-threatening and that you have a real and treatable condition is reassuring,” says Dr. “It can be scary to all of a sudden have feelings of being nonfunctional. The first thing your doctor will do is rule out other potential causes of your symptoms such as viral infections, hypothyroidism or other medical conditions. If you notice a decline in your mood that persists for days, your sleep and appetite patterns have changed and you have trouble getting motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, or if you feel hopeless and are considering self-harm, it is important to see your health care provider. It is important to be self-aware and pay attention to how you are feeling as winter approaches. When to Seek Treatment for Seasonal Depression Vitamin D deficiency: Low levels of Vitamin D can be a risk factor for SAD.Personal medical history: Those with a history of depression or bipolar disorder may be more likely to develop SAD.Family history: SAD is more common in people with blood relatives with SAD or another type of depression.Gender: Women are more frequently diagnosed but men often have more severe symptoms.Therefore, people living in far northern or southern parts of the world are more susceptible. The farther away from the equator you live, the higher your risk for SAD – likely because of the decreased exposure to sunlight during the winter. ![]() Some people are very sensitive to the reduced serotonin levels that can occur with less exposure to sunlight and their circadian rhythm can be significantly deregulated, leaving them feeling out of sorts and off-balance emotionally.” Who Is at Increased Risk? Similarly, darkness triggers the release of melatonin, a chemical that makes us feel sleepy. “When it is bright and sunny outside the brain releases a chemical called serotonin which is believed to help boost mood, promote calmness and increase focus. “Reduced sunlight disrupts the internal clock that lets us know when to sleep and when to be active,” says Dr. Researchers don’t fully understand what causes seasonal depression, but most agree it is associated with the shorter days, longer periods of darkness and reduced exposure to sunlight that comes with the onset of fall and winter. People with SAD can be seriously impaired both functionally and emotionally.” What Causes SAD? ![]() “It feels like walking with a heavy pack on your back.
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