The cool fall weather is something many people welcome after a hot and humid summer. As soon as the first leaf drops, it’s time to grab a latte and throw on a scarf, right?

We watch as, pumpkins, turkeys, and other festive holiday decorations quickly replace the beach and back-to-school decor in shopping center aisles. In the blink of an eye, it seems like we’ve been catapulted into another season…a season often filled with loneliness, sorrow, and grief.

Add to that the bone-chilling temperatures, decreased daylight, and gray skies and you have a recipe for Seasonal Affective Disorder.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons- especially for people who live in climates that experience Winter. SAD usually begins and ends at about the same time every year.

If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start around this time in the fall and continue into the winter months. SAD is more than just feeling blue. It can zap your energy, disrupt your routine, and really bring you down.

Signs and Symptoms of SAD

Just like depression, nature and severity of SAD varies from person to person. Some people just find the condition to only be a bit of an annoyance, while others suffer severely. If you or someone you love might be suffering from SAD or depression, watch out for signs like:

  • feelings of despair and worthlessness
  • feeling stressed or anxious
  • a persistent low mood
  • loss of interest in everyday activities
  • increased irritation

Treatment Options for SAD, Depression, and Better Brain Health

SAD and depression often share the same symptoms so it’s important to monitor your symptoms. If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms year-round, depression could be more than just seasonal.

The good news is there are many successful options for treating Major Depressive Disorder like TMS Therapy. We use TMS Therapy at NeurohealthMaine with great success in treating Major Depressive Disorder. It’s been proven to work for people that do not receive relief from antidepressants and/or cannot tolerate the side effects caused by them.

Contact our office today to learn more about this non-invasive treatment option that might be covered by your insurance.