{"id":3402,"date":"2025-11-04T22:02:52","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T03:02:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/?p=3402"},"modified":"2025-11-04T22:02:53","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T03:02:53","slug":"managing-seasonal-affective-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/managing-seasonal-affective-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3402\" class=\"elementor elementor-3402\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-36ec82f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"36ec82f\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-308a2cc\" data-id=\"308a2cc\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d7241a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6d7241a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-style: inherit;\">A common misconception about seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is that it&#8217;s merely the <\/span><i style=\"font-weight: inherit;\">winter blues. <\/i><span style=\"font-style: inherit;\">This is not the case.&nbsp; SAD is a subtype of major depressive disorder and should be taken seriously by anyone diagnosed with it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Seasonal Affective Disorder Basics<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD) is a mood disorder that occurs in seasonal cycles. Individuals diagnosed with SAD can experience moods that fluctuate from depressed to hypomanic to manic. Symptoms of SAD ramp up at the onset of autumn and those diagnosed with it can feel a sharp increase in symptoms during winter. Once spring starts the symptoms tend to dissipate.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Common symptoms of SAD include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Fatigue and lethargy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Overwhelming feelings of sadness&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Tearfulness and irritability&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Consistently craving carbohydrate heavy foods&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Weight gain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Isolation or avoiding social events<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Lacking motivation to engage in hobbies or exercise&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Impaired concentration and focus&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Traditional Treatments for SAD<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Due to the relative predictability of SAD it&#8217;s best to prepare early. Preparing early can reduce feelings of stress and improve your outlook as winter approaches.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Traditional treatments for SAD include:&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Regular telehealth visits with your therapist (if it&#8217;s hard to travel during winter)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Light therapy &#8211; Lightboxes can be used first thing in the AM to replicate natural sunlight. Light therapy is recommended prior to trying medication due to its efficacy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Antidepressant medications to increase serotonin&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Regular exercise (at least 30 min outdoor if possible)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Sleep hygiene techniques like limiting phone use in bed, using a noise machine, etc.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Creative Techniques to Manage SAD<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The above techniques can be found on most any healthcare website &#8211; so we wanted to take a different approach and explore creative ways to combat SAD.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Preparing Your Home<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Create a Multi-Sensory Area:&nbsp;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Engaging your senses with pleasant scents, textures, sounds, or sights leads to less agitation and increased relaxation when you feel anxious.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Multi-sensory items can include lava lamps, rain or sound machines, light sticks, weighted and soft blankets, oil diffusers, silly putty or glitter slime &#8211; really anything that makes you feel comfortable and at ease.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Increase Natural Light:&nbsp;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Remove any obstructions that hinder natural light (heavy curtains, plants, furniture).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Preparing Your Mind<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Learning a New Skill or Hobby:&nbsp;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">If you&#8217;ve been eager to learn a new skill like video editing, writing non-fiction or poetry, designing your own video game, or woodworking &#8211; find a course online and sign up!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">This adds structure during the winter months, mental tasks that keep you sharp, and new social interactions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Scheduled Facetimes with Loved Ones:&nbsp;<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Maintaining your connections becomes really important when depression becomes the boss. If you are able to schedule some facetime calls with your loved ones before the winter season starts &#8211; you&#8217;ll have something to look forward to and extra support from those that love you.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Preparing Your Body<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Labs Tests:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Requesting labs from your primary care doctor can help you evaluate if low levels of vitamins and minerals may be contributing to your SAD.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Deficiencies or imbalances in vitamin B and B12, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and zinc, as well as thyroid function tests are all associated with depression and fatigue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">If you can increase those deficiencies using natural supplements and diet changes &#8211; you may see an improvement in your mood, sleep, and energy levels.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Unorthodox Exercise Options:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Find exercise options that aren&#8217;t boring! No need for the treadmill every day &#8211; you can find dance classes, hiking groups, adult sports leagues, and pickleball if you want to try something new.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Trying new methods of exercise and moving your body stimulates your mind as well.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Taking care of your mind, body, and home can lead to feelings of mastery and improve your mood. If you want to explore additional therapy options for SAD, Lotus Psychology Group has experienced and compassionate therapists who can help. If<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">you live in the Metro Detroit area, contact our offices for a brief consultation at (248) 957-8973 or feel free to email us at <\/span><a href=\"mailto:info@lotuspsychgroup.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">info@lotuspsychgroup.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">. If you are ready to schedule an appointment, you can fill out this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/our-office\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">online scheduling form<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A common misconception about seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is that it&#8217;s merely the winter blues. This is not the case.&nbsp; SAD is a subtype of major depressive disorder and should be taken seriously by anyone diagnosed with it. Seasonal Affective Disorder Basics Seasonal Affective Disorder (or SAD) is a mood disorder that occurs in [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3407,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3402","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-psychology"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3402","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3402"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3402\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3410,"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3402\/revisions\/3410"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3407"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lotuspsychgroup.com\/stagingnew\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}