With winter almost here, it is essential to talk about seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This can be a difficult time of the year for many people. We will discuss what it is, what you can do about it, and how it relates to sobriety.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) usually occurs for about four to five months out of the year. SAD is most common in the winter months, but it can also happen in the summer as well. During this period, people generally feel down or depressed, unlike their "usual" selves. SAD is a form of depression that can occur in people who usually don't suffer from common depression.
People who suffer from SAD can have minor or major symptoms. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms or the same combinations of symptoms. However, common symptoms include:
There are also some season-specific SAD symptoms. For example, winter-occurring SAD symptoms may include:
Summer-occurring SAD symptoms may include:
With such a range of symptoms, many different aspects of one's life can be affected by SAD. Unfortunately, this can all become very overwhelming. Fortunately, there are things you can do about these symptoms.
With SAD, many difficult emotions can come into play. When you are dealing with depression or anxiety, or lethargy, it can be challenging to know what to do. The first thing to try is getting professional help. There are many benefits of talk therapy.
Sometimes all you need is someone to talk to about seasonally-affected feelings. Other times, you need more than just talking. That is okay and perfectly normal. A professional therapist will be able to point you in the right direction to get the help you need.
The best way to think of how a therapist can help is to imagine them as your primary care physician. For example, if you went to see your primary care doctor for a broken arm, they would direct you to an orthopedic doctor. However, a general therapist can refer you to a more specific type of professional who can properly treat your unique symptoms.
One place you might get directed to is a psychiatrist's office. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications to alleviate your depressive symptoms. However, if you prefer other routes to medication, there are other options.
Sometimes SAD can be caused by something as simple as a vitamin D deficiency. In this case, your doctor may suggest taking a supplement. Other times the solution can be to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine.
Knowing that you suffer from SAD is more than half the battle. When you know that your unexplained symptoms result from a disorder you suffer from, you can prepare for it before your affected months arrive. This way, you can try to be on top of your negative feelings before they start to show.
Such preparation could manifest in several different ways. For example, you might schedule therapist appointments for that troublesome time. Perhaps you sign up for a gym membership ahead of time. However it looks, the important thing is to be prepared.
You may wonder how SAD is related to addiction recovery. Though it may not appear so on the surface, the two are interconnected. SAD can be detrimental to your recovery. One of the biggest parts of recovery is staying in good mental health. Mental wellness is critical to recovery in that thoughts and patterns related to relapse can emerge when you find yourself in a depressive rut. That is why it is so vital to take SAD seriously.
You may have heard of SAD being dismissed as the "winter blues," but its symptoms are serious, especially for someone in recovery. Staying on top of your mental health helps you stay sober. Are you going to be completely able to avoid negative feelings or depressive thoughts? No. You are human, and these thoughts are natural. However, having a grasp on your SAD symptoms means that these thoughts don't have to derail you completely.
What matters is what you do when these negative feelings arise. If you can work through them through therapy, a hobby, meditation, or whatever works for you, your sobriety will be better. SAD is something that can't be avoided, but it is something that can be managed.
Like your sobriety, try taking SAD one day at a time. You can make it through these challenging months and do it sober. Have your plan ready and take steps toward managing SAD symptoms, and your sobriety will remain intact.
People who suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can have a challenging time of year when it hits. You may feel lost, sad, and wonder if there is anything you can do about it. These feelings are natural and happen to more people than you may think. Luckily, life does not have to be that way permanently. There are things that you can do to alleviate your symptoms. The caring and highly-trained staff at NorthStar Transitions, located in Boulder, CO, want to help you through this challenging time of year. Whether you're just starting in recovery or need a wintertime boost, we can help. Call us at (303) 558-6400.
