What is Seasonal Affective Disorder & How is it Treated?
There are many mental health conditions, and here in Australia, the number of people who are suffering from mental health issues is rising, largely thanks to the increased cost of living. In this short blog, we take a look at seasonal affective disorder, a condition that has recently emerged, and we offer treatment options.
What is seasonal affective disorder?
Winter seasonal affective disorder
This condition is a depression that is linked to seasonal changes; the onset of winter, for example, can cause some people to feel depressed, which may be due to reduced sunlight and colder temperatures. The arrival of winter can, for example, lead to a person feeling fatigued, losing their appetite, and generally feeling uninterested in everything. Insomnia often accompanies these other conditions, which compounds the problem; lack of sleep causes a hormonal imbalance, and that can make things worse.
Summer seasonal affective disorder
Although not as common as the winter condition, some people have similar symptoms when summer comes around. They can become lethargic and perhaps have a craving for eating carbs, which often accompanies anxiety, while some people lose their appetite completely. Medical experts are unsure about the causes of this condition; some think it is connected to circadian rhythms, which might be a contributing factor.
Potential treatments
Light therapy is commonly used to treat seasonal affective disorder, using a special light spectrum to simulate sunlight, which can alleviate the condition. There is also a natural remedy called kava, a herb found in some Pacific Islands; you can order instant kava in Australia from a leading online supplier. The powdered form of the kava root can be mixed with cold water for an instant drink that brings on a feeling of contentment and well-being, which definitely helps to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Many Australians drink instant kava on a daily basis because it is a mood elevator, and you can order it from an online supplier.
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can produce positive results for some people with seasonal affective disorder; a few sessions with a qualified mental health counsellor is another good idea, which can help the patient to better understand the root causes of the condition.
Medication
Anti-depressants can reduce the symptoms of this condition when prescribed by a doctor, and constant monitoring is recommended; if the medication shows no improvement, the treatment should cease. This would normally be a last resort when all other treatment options fail, and medication must be prescribed by a certified doctor.
If you or someone you know shows symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, try some of the natural remedies, including instant kava drink and light therapy, and if that does not work, therapy might be the best solution.
This is quite a rare condition, and it can easily be confused with regular depression.
