A Guide to Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder in simple terms is when your mood, how you feel, and your motivations are affected by the change in seasons. People affected by Seasonal Depression often feel as if their energy is sapped from them during the fall and winter months. That energy usually promptly returns during the spring and the summer, making their motivations to accomplish things a seasonal affair. Now, you may not be diagnosed with SAD, but you may also notice your mood changing depending on how bright the sun is shining and how warm the air feels! Let’s explore the ways that those diagnosed with SAD recover and how anyone who faces this issue on a milder scale can ensure they stay motivated year round!

Those with SAD often use several types of treatment to ensure the season does not dictate their every mood. Phototherapy is a common treatment for SAD, which includes the patients using a light box to mimic outdoor lighting. These light boxes often provide an exposure of 10,000 lux of light to ensure the patient is receiving all the light that they can! You can purchase a light box without a prescription, but of course, it is always recommended to ask a healthcare professional to ensure you are using one properly! SAD patients will also use psychotherapy and various medications. To everyone, motivation is a tricky subject. There are so many factors that affect whether an individual feels motivated to pursue something, but for those who know that they may feel more motivated when it’s nice out, the seasons can play a large factor. So here are some tips and tricks to shining even when the sun isn’t!