Light therapy and CBT therapy and antidepressants. Can be cured and happy in life

It means you are more depressed or irritable/labile during winter months. So, moving to more sunny states, like Florida or California is an option, or having short vac during winter months, another treatment modality is light therapy/phototherapy. But the most important to diagnose depression correctly, because treatment for depression is very different from bipolar depression.

Most psychiatrists will prescribe an antidepressant. First, they need to know more about you to determine the correct medication for you. You can also buy near-daylight lamps with instruction.

Seasonal Affective Disorder ("S.A.D.") is a variety of mood disorder characterized usually by a notable degree of depression that may interfere significantly with the ability to work, or even to leave the house and take care of one's ordinary daily tasks. The condition begins typically in the late fall (around Thanksgiving-time, for those in the US), and lasts on until early spring (such as mid-March). It is called a disorder - because it tends to recur at similar times each year, and to last about the same time-frame. SAD occurs more often in women (who are more susceptible to depression in general - just as men are more vulnerable to aggressive behaviors). People in northern areas are more likely to develop SAD than are others in southern areas. In the US, there would, for example, be more cases diagnosed in Vermont than in Florida (let alone in Panama). Many persons with the condition also are prone at other times - to bouts of "hypomania": periods of over- talkativeness, diminished need for sleep, racing thoughts, and feeling "super" lively and happy. This suggests that SAD can be considered as an element in the so-called Bipolar Spectrum (the new name for "manic-depression"), with such related condition as recurrent depression, full-blown mania (with delusions of grandeur), "Bipolar-Type-Two Disorder (characterized by mild "highs" alternating with serious depressions). Those who besides living in cold climates also wear dark clothes and don't absorb sufficient Vitamin D3 from the sun - are also more at risk. People with SAD are more likely (than those in the general population) to have close relatives (siblings, parents, grandparents, aunt, uncles, cousins) with various forms of bipolar disorder (either in full-blown form or in a milder condition). The typical treatment consists of exposure to bright white light for at least a week of 2500 lux in strength. Many patients use a machine that delivers intense light of this sort - especially upon awakening - say at 7 or7:30 in the morning, for about half and hour. -- repeating this daily for a week or so. Of course - where additional signs of mood disorder ("manic-depression," "bipolar disorder" of one type or another should also take a mood stabilizer to help minimize the intensity of the depression or hypomania. Medications such as lamotrigine, small doses of lithium or depakote - may prove useful in minimizing and in regulating yhr SAD - till time ("spring-time!") finally puts the mood-disorder to rest. Till next year, that is! But once knowing you have the condition, forewarned is forearmed - and next Thanksgiving (give or take).

Light/dark imbalance causes a decrease in Orexin that trigger mood disturbance along with an imbalance in serotonin. The simplest and preferred treatment is the use of light. White light of 10,000 lux added to the day before sunrise can precipitate a balance of serotonin and reestablish euthymia. These typically cost about $60 and can readily be purchased from Amazon. 10,000 lux white light. Do not stare at it just sit next to it for the requisite hour.

Seasonal affective disorder is frequent in upstate NY and northern USA. The cause is lack of light and that is one of the treatments. The light between 8 & 10 in the morning is best for reasons unknown so a half hour walk at that time is one treatment. Next is Vitamin D. It is low because of the lack of sunlight. Lastly is the taking of an anti-depressant. Sitting in front of a light takes too much time so I don't suggest it even though it is helpful. I started using the above treatments thirty years ago and have had good results ever since. Jack L. Underwood, M.D.

Hello,

I would recommend talking with a therapist on a regular basis to develop coping skills and address the depression. Light therapy could also be very important for you and getting enough vitamin D.

Sara Cole, MS, LPC, CAC III, NCC

Hello and thank you for your question,

Seasonal affective disorder is much like depression as far as treatment options. Psychotherapy is typically used because it is less severe than a major depressive disorder and usually alleviated with the change of seasons or when time changes in the spring.

Thank you,

Patricia Harris | MA, LPC

See this link.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

Also, check this out.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20364722