Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
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As the winter solstice approaches, days become shorter and darker. Often, the commute between home and work or school takes place in darkness. In addition, the holiday season can bring up family conflicts, loneliness, grief, money concerns, or increased use of substances such as alcohol. Some people experience mood changes in response to these seasonal changes. It may be time to consult with a professional who can evaluate you for signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Here are some possible symptoms of SAD to take into consideration:
- Sadness or depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities (known as anhedonia)
- Changes in appetite or cravings; weight gain or loss
- Change in sleep patterns; often too much
- Decreased energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep
- Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., pacing, fidgeting, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech that are observable by others
- Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Improvement as spring and summer begin
A mental health specialist can help you determine if your symptoms could be SAD, clinical depression, a mood disorder, or another condition that could potentially be treated with behavioral therapy.
Reach out to me at Lifeologie Counseling Dallas and Lifeologie Counseling Fort Worth, where I am currently scheduling new clients who struggle with many other emotional and mental health concerns. If this sounds like you, please call our Client Care Team at (214) 357-4001 to discuss Lifeologie Counseling's specialties and services. Outside Texas, you can search for a therapist near you using our location tab above or asking your primary care provider for their recommendations.
To learn more about coping with SAD, read my Lifeologie Counseling Midlothian colleague Jed Aquillo's blog, How To Combat Seasonal Depression.
To read more Lifeologie Counseling blogs about depression, search our Resources section or sign up for our monthly emails that feature new therapists' blogs each month about the best in mental health.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
About Jim Ming
Jim Ming has a BS in Industrial Relations, a Master's of Human Resources & Labor Relations from Michigan State University, and is currently pursuing a Master's of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Tarleton State University. He helps clients find solutions for life’s challenges, including adjustment issues, relationships, stress management, depression, grief, and anxiety, using a humanistic, practical, and action-oriented approach. He sees clients with the supervision of Chris Jones at Lifeologie Counseling Fort Worth.
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