Seasonal Depression

Seasonal Depression (sometimes diagnosed as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD) is a type of depression that seems to come and go with certain seasons or occurs at the same time every year. For many people symptoms develop during late fall or early winter and seem to subside in the spring. Some evidence indicates that the shorter days (fewer hours of daylight) during fall and winter months may play a role in Seasonal Depression

Some common symptoms of Seasonal Depression are a persistent depressed or low mood, feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or “heaviness”, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping or insomnia, loss of interest in activities, appetite changes, weight gain or weight loss, and concentration problems. In some people with bipolar disorder, spring and summer months can bring on symptoms of mania or hypomania. This is called reverse seasonal affective disorder and symptoms can include a persistent elevated mood, hyperactivity, agitation and rapid speech or racing thoughts.

Counseling for Seasonal Depression

Psychotherapy (counseling) can be an effective treatment for Seasonal Depression. Although SAD is thought to be related to brain chemistry, counseling can help you to identify and change unhelpful negative thoughts that can keep your depression going. You can learn how to cope with these mood changes and how to manage stress to better control your mood year-round.

Counselor Rick A. Combs uses a Cognitive Behavioral approach to treating Seasonal Depression. This approach addresses both the thoughts and behaviors that maintain depression. Because you thoughts, beliefs and behaviors have a direct impact on your mood, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches you techniques for changing unhealthy patterns for long-term relief from Seasonal Depression.