Do you find that you get bummed out in the winter? Do you start to feel blue around fall and only feel better come spring and summer? You may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that is related to the change in seasons, usually manifesting during the fall and winter months. This type of depression saps those affected of their energy, good mood, and motivation–leaving a feeling akin to the “winter blues” but can actually be more serious. There are ways you can fight the symptoms of SAD, but if your depression persists and seems like it needs more serious attention please seek mental health treatment in Minnesota.
Listed below are just a few symptoms that could mean you are suffering from SAD.
- Low energy
- Appetite changes or changes in weight
- Problems with sleeping–oversleeping or insomnia
- Thoughts of feeling worthless, hopeless, or guilty
- Feeling anxious or stressed for no reason
- Difficulty concentrating
Now, these symptoms don’t automatically mean you have SAD. However, if they develop only during certain seasons than it’s probably likely that you suffer from seasonal affective disorder. If these symptoms occur seasonally it’s important to take them seriously. Keeping your mood and emotions consistent throughout the year is important to your mental and physical health. A decline in mood can also mean a decline in motivation and productivity. And feeling motivated and productive can contribute to an improvement in mood. Your mental health is cyclical in nature so maintaining it is important to all facets of your life.
If you determine your changes in mood to be something more serious and permanent than seasonal affective disorder then you should think about seeking mental health treatment in Minnesota. Seeking the right care means finding a facility or therapist that offers a treatment approach tailored to you. At Options Family & Behavior Services we take a person-centered approach to an individual’s rehabilitation journey. Your care is customized to you because we know that every person experiences their treatment differently. Contact us today if you are seeking mental health treatment in Minnesota.
