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Seasonal Affective Disorder in Idaho

Commonly, seasonal affective disorder in Idaho leaves you feeling down, depressed, or tired during the

winter. You may experience cravings for carbohydrates and weight gain. There are treatment options for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), including light therapy, medication, counseling, and more.

Meraki Healthcare Idaho SAD winter

Are you tired of feeling sluggish during the winter? Do you feel like Idaho’s winters are zapping your energy and mood? You’re not alone!


Keep reading to learn about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how it impacts Idahoans. Merkai Healthcare will explain the signs and symptoms of SAD and potential treatment options.


What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is worsened during certain times of the year. Typically, people with SAD experience symptoms in the fall and winter that resolve in the summer. Rarely, people with SAD experience symptoms during the summer that resolve in the winter.


Seasonal affective disorder is also linked with bipolar disorder. It is not uncommon for people with bipolar disorder to experience depressive episodes in the winter and manic or hypomanic episodes in the spring and summer.


Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) overlap with symptoms of major depressive disorder. These may include changes in sleeping patterns, appetite, energy, and motivation. People with SAD may also experience suicidal thoughts.


Meraki Healthcare Idaho Falls Winter

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder:


  • Feeling sad or unmotivated during most of the day nearly every day

  • Loss of interest in activities and things you used to enjoy

  • Changes in sleep–sleeping too much or insomnia

  • Having decreased energy or feeling tired most of the day

  • Not being able to concentrate

  • Wanting to eat too much or too little

  • Craving sugar

  • Feeling worthless, hopeless, or ashamed

  • Having thoughts of wishing you were dead

  • Social withdrawal

  • Thoughts about suicide

  • Irritability, agitation, and/or anxiety


Typical Winter-Onset SAD Symptoms

  • Sleeping too much

  • Eating too much, especially carbohydrates (craving sugar, etc…)

  • Feeling tired or not having enough energy

  • Gaining weight


Typical Spring & Summer SAD Symptoms

  • Poor appetite and weight loss

  • More irritability and/or anxiety

  • Insomnia (trouble falling and/or staying asleep)


When Are Idahoans Affected by SAD?

Most Idahoans with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, experience symptoms that begin in October. The worst of the depression usually affects people in January and/or February. These changes in mood are thought to be related to fewer hours of sunlight and more time indoors due to cold weather.


How to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder in Idaho

If you believe you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), speak with your healthcare provider in Idaho about treatment. Treatment options include one or more of the following: light therapy, vitamin D supplements, medication, and counseling.




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Finding a Therapist for SAD in Idaho

Most therapists, including psychologists and social workers who offer mental health counseling, are familiar with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how it affects their clients in Idaho. Multiple types of therapy and/or a combination of therapies can be helpful for SAD.


If you would like more information on how to determine if a therapist is a good fit for your needs, read this blog post.


Finding Medication Management for SAD in Idaho

Medication management is a valuable tool for combatting symptoms of seasonal affective disorder in Idaho. A mental healthcare provider with prescribing privileges helps you find an effective medication and dosing to manage your conditions and symptoms.



Conclusion

Seasonal affective disorder in Idaho is common. If you have seasonal affective disorder, you’re not alone. Speak to a healthcare provider about getting help to manage your SAD and experience relief. There are multiple options for treatment, so there’s no reason to let SAD weigh you down.


Frequently Asked Questions


Where in the United States is seasonal affective disorder most common?

Seasonal affective disorder is more common in states with a bigger difference in weather patterns in the winter compared to summer. Commonly affected people can be found in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana due to the decreased sunlight and more indoor activity due to cold temperatures.


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What is the difference between SAD and Bipolar disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder is a subtype of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. You may have bipolar disorder if your depressive cycles correspond with winter and your manic episodes correspond with summer. You can have seasonal affective disorder without having bipolar disorder.


Does taking vitamin D solve seasonal affective disorder?

Research indicates there may be a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, anyone experiencing symptoms of depression should consult a healthcare provider for treatment. You may ask your doctor about having your vitamin D levels tested.

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