Seasonal Affective Disorder: Why It’s More Challenging These Days and Exploring New Treatments
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As the days grow shorter and the chill of autumn settles in, many people find themselves struggling with a common yet sometimes misunderstood condition: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While some brush off their winter blues as part of the colder months, others experience a deeper, more profound impact on their mental and emotional well-being. With the challenges of modern life, especially in recent years, these symptoms seem more prevalent than ever before. Fortunately, treatments such as ketamine therapy and stellate ganglion block (SGB), in addition to traditional interventions, are opening new doors for those looking for relief.
Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a subtype of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, SAD affects millions of people annually, with women and young adults being particularly vulnerable. The symptoms of SAD can include:
- Low energy and fatigue
- Changes in appetite or weight, especially a craving for carbohydrates
- Sleep disturbances (usually oversleeping)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Social withdrawal
- In severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide
While SAD is most commonly associated with winter, some individuals can experience it in the summer months, though this is much rarer.
Why is SAD More Challenging These Days?
In recent years, SAD and mental health struggles have become even more prominent. Several factors contribute to this:
1. Global Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives worldwide, causing increased isolation, fear, and stress. Even though the world is gradually recovering, the lingering effects of lockdowns, health fears, and economic uncertainty have amplified feelings of loneliness and helplessness. For those already prone to SAD, these factors create a perfect storm of mental health challenges.
2. Increased Screen Time: With more people working remotely, attending virtual meetings, and spending long hours in front of screens, exposure to natural sunlight has decreased dramatically. Increased screen time, especially during late hours, disrupts circadian rhythms and can exacerbate SAD symptoms.
3. Economic and Social Stress: Economic pressures, political polarization, and the ever-present news cycle have created an environment where many people are constantly on edge. This chronic stress compounds the effects of SAD, making it harder to cope with the shorter days and colder months.
4. General Mental Health Decline: Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, have risen significantly in the past decade, and SAD is often seen in people with pre-existing mental health conditions. When a person is already vulnerable to mood disorders, the onset of seasonal changes can push them further into depression. Teddy Williams, a local comedian, leads Men’s Mental Health Mondays (Instagram @mentalhealthmondays614) and states “I don’t ask my clients to make it to the next holiday or even to the next month, I just ask them to focus on making it to the next Monday.”
Traditional Approaches to Treating SAD
For years, SAD was treated with traditional interventions like light therapy, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
- Light Therapy: Since SAD is linked to decreased sunlight, light therapy is often the first line of treatment. Patients are exposed to a special light box that mimics natural sunlight for about 20-30 minutes each day. This treatment can be effective in resetting the body’s circadian rhythm and boosting serotonin levels, which are often reduced in SAD patients.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a type of talk therapy that helps individuals reframe negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT can be adapted for SAD, focusing on building coping strategies and changing how a person responds to the onset of seasonal changes.
- Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for SAD to help boost serotonin levels in the brain. These medications are typically used alongside therapy and other treatments.
Innovative Approaches: Ketamine Therapy and Stellate Ganglion Block
While traditional treatments help many, there is a growing demand for more rapid and effective interventions. New, cutting-edge treatments like ketamine therapy and stellate ganglion block (SGB) are showing promise in treating SAD and other forms of depression.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine, once primarily used as an anesthetic, has garnered attention in recent years for its fast-acting antidepressant properties. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show results, ketamine works rapidly, sometimes in as little as a few hours. This makes it particularly attractive for individuals suffering from severe depression and suicidal thoughts
Ketamine works on the brain’s glutamate system, which is involved in mood regulation. By targeting this system, ketamine helps create new connections between brain cells, essentially “rewiring” the brain. This can provide rapid relief for individuals experiencing the deep lows of SAD.
For those who suffer from chronic or treatment-resistant SAD, IV ketamine therapy is increasingly being offered by specialized clinics. Patients receive a series of intravenous ketamine infusions under medical supervision, and many report a significant reduction in symptoms within the first few treatments.
Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)
Another novel treatment for mood disorders is the stellate ganglion block (SGB). Traditionally used for pain management, SGB involves injecting a local anesthetic into the stellate ganglion, a group of nerves in the neck that play a role in regulating the body’s stress response. The idea is that by “blocking” these nerves, the body’s overactive stress response can be calmed, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
While SGB is still a relatively new approach in psychiatry, early research shows that it can be particularly effective for people with **post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)** and other anxiety-related conditions. Given the overlap between anxiety and depression, it’s believed that SGB could also benefit those with SAD, especially if anxiety is a prominent symptom.
Other Ways to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder
In addition to ketamine therapy and SGB, there are several other strategies and treatments that can help alleviate SAD symptoms:
1. Exercise:
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat depression, including SAD. Exercise boosts the production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Even a short walk outside during daylight hours can help improve mood by increasing exposure to sunlight and promoting vitamin D production.
2. Healthy Diet:
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can have a positive impact on mental health. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and flaxseeds, are particularly beneficial for brain function and mood regulation.
3. Sleep Hygiene:
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for managing SAD. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and avoid the temptation to oversleep, even when you’re feeling tired. Limiting screen time before bed and creating a relaxing nighttime routine can also help improve sleep quality.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation:
Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, can help you become more aware of negative thought patterns and prevent them from spiraling into deeper depression. Studies show that mindfulness can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, making it a valuable tool for managing SAD.
5. Social Connection:
One of the hallmarks of SAD is social withdrawal. While it may be tempting to isolate yourself, maintaining social connections is essential for emotional well-being. Whether it’s meeting up with friends, joining a support group, or participating in community activities, staying engaged can help lift your mood.
6. Vitamin D Supplements:
Since SAD is often linked to reduced sunlight exposure, many people with this condition are deficient in vitamin D. Taking a daily vitamin D supplement can help improve mood and energy levels, especially during the darker months.
Conclusion: Seeking Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real and challenging condition that affects millions of people each year. While traditional treatments like light therapy and medication can be effective, emerging therapies such as ketamine infusions and the stellate ganglion block offer new hope for those seeking faster and more comprehensive relief.
However, it’s important to remember that every person’s experience with SAD is unique. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why a personalized approach to treatment is essential. Whether it’s through medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or innovative treatments, there are numerous paths to recovery for those suffering from SAD.
At StrIVeMD Wellness and Ketamine in Illinois (Chicago, Skokie, St. Charles, Champaign), Frisco/Dallas, and now Dublin/Columbus Ohio, we are helping to transform lives with compassionate care and innovative treatments for complex conditions, including speeding up recovery after a breakup. IV Ketamine therapy/IV ketamine infusions as well as ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion blocks to help with depression (including those who get depressed from social media), as well as PTSD, anxiety, and other complex treatment resistant mental health disorders. With a team comprised of physicians board-certified in adult and pediatric anesthesiology, pain medicine, and functional medicine, advanced practice nurses and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), we are the most comprehensive team from the nation’s best medical institutions to take care of patients of any age including adolescents and geriatric patients. We work with your mental health provider to ensure safety and effectiveness of our program. If you or someone has severe rumination or mental health disease that is worsening, or fighting a chronic medical condition, please consider potentially transformative solutions for mental health challenges or chronic pain that have resisted conventional treatments. your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@strivemdwellness.com.
Contact Us Today
If you or someone you know is struggling or struggles with seasonal depression, reach out to StriveMD Wellness & Ketamine to learn more about how our treatments can help. With the right support and care, it is possible to regain control over your mental health and find joy even in the darkest months of the year.
Contact us at:
Phone number: Ohio (614) 992-5484, Illinois (847) 213-0990, Texas (469) 656-4999
Email: info@strivemdwellness.com
Website: www.strivemdwellness.com
Rediscover your peace of mind and take the first step towards healing with StrIVeMD Wellness & Ketamine.