It is February and you may notice that the cold winter weather and fewer hours of sunlight have really started to take a toll on your mental health. For some people, this may present itself as a bit of tiredness or sluggishness. For others, it manifests itself as a form of depression known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. While the cause of SAD isn't quite known, some experts believe that SAD is triggered by a lack of sunlight exposure and is more common during certain times of the year including late fall, winter, or early spring. With SAD, you can experience symptoms such as low energy levels (or excessive sleeping), loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, difficulty concentrating, craving carbohydrates, weight gain, and feelings of sadness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to a depression therapist in Towson MD who can help.
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
SAD is still poorly understood and the precise reasons are unknown. However, as mentioned before, some experts suggest that low levels of sunlight can cause it. Low levels of light can cause melatonin (which regulates sleep) and serotonin (which regulates mood) levels to dip.
Some Unique Ways to Cope with SAD
Light Therapy
In light therapy, you use a special lamp to you expose yourself to the light you'd normally get in sunnier, warmer seasons. Light therapy should be used under the care and guidance of an expert such as a depression therapist in Towson MD. They will be able to help guide you towards the best light therapy options.
Vitamin D Supplmentation
Vitamin D is produced by your body as a direct result of exposure to sunlight. If you have not been in the sun lately, your vitamin D levels may be low. Your doctor can draw blood to make sure that your vitamin D levels are where they should be. If not, they can advise you on the correct type and amount of vitamin D supplement to take.
Physical Exercise
Physical activities can also help improve your SAD symptoms. Moving your body and experiencing the space around you can help to elevate your mood and can combat feelings of tiredness and depression.
Looking for a Depression Therapist in Towson MD?
If you suffer from SAD, keep in mind that it is possible to improve. It's important to remember that many of the symptoms of SAD are manageable depending on your treatment. Talk to a depression therapist in Towson MD, to help you deal with the symptoms you experience and work towards overcoming this disorder and ultimately boosting your mood.
B'well Counseling Services is a mental health therapy practice offering a full range of therapeutic services including holistic therapy in Towson, MD and the Greater Baltimore area. We believe in helping people rekindle their curiosity and reconnect to their core selves so that they can truly be well. We value wellness and connection over happiness because we understand that being able to experience the full range of human emotions and experiences is what helps us heal and grow. At B'well, we are dedicated to creating a space for anyone who has ever felt unwelcome because of their identity, orientation, or expression.
B'well Counseling Services offers Telehealth Therapy Services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.