How Is SAD Diagnosed and Treated?
You can learn all about how depression is diagnosed and treated at NPS here. To be further diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder, you would also have to experience:
- A significant change in your depressive episodes according to the season
- Two or more years of a seasonal pattern of depression
That said, you don’t have to wait two years to seek treatment. If you suspect that you are experiencing SAD, it’s never too early to look for a solution. Here are the common treatments for this disorder:
Light Therapy
Light therapy is among the most popular and effective therapy options for SAD sufferers. It requires a person to sit next to a light therapy device for an hour after waking each day. The bright light from the device mimics natural light and will often reduce or eliminate the symptoms of SAD after a few days or weeks.
Psychotherapy (Or Talk Therapy)
In addition to light therapy, talk therapy can also reduce the symptoms of depression. Through counseling and/or cognitive behavioral therapy, NPS can help you develop healthy coping methods, change negative thoughts, manage stress, and build healthy habits.
Medication
Our counseling center prefers the use of natural treatments. However, we recognize that some severe cases of SAD may require the use of medication and antidepressants.
At-home Care
Sometimes, simple changes to a person’s self-care routine can also have an effect on seasonal affective disorder. We recommend exercising, spending more time outdoors, and developing healthy sleep habits as a first line of defense.
If you suffer from any mood disorder, it’s important to make an extra effort to take care of yourself. Stick to your assigned treatment plan and attend your counseling sessions as scheduled. Make an effort to be social, manage your stress, and take regular vacations. All of these steps can help you manage your symptoms.
Therapists
These are our therapists who are experienced in working with Depression.
