Comprehensive Approach to Seasonal Affective Disorder at Right Path Counseling
Winter season may be known for the cold weather and the holidays. But for some, it is best known for its feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loneliness. Many people find that the winter months bring what’s often called “seasonal depression,” a type of depression that occurs during the winter months.
At Right Path Counseling, we specialize in addressing seasonal depression and its more technical name, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a type of depression that emerges during the darker and colder months. Our team of experienced mental health professionals are dedicated to providing effective, empathetic treatment tailored to the individual needs of each person.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of seasonal depression, we’re here to offer support and expert care. Contact Right Path Counseling today to connect with a team member.
Why Choose Right Path Counseling?
Right Path Counseling is a team of highly talented therapists and counselors that provide support for children and adults struggling with their mental health, including depression. During the winter months, we often work with those that have seasonal depression, helping them learn more about themselves and create mental health solutions that will address this recurring psychological condition.
- Do you feel like you’re struggling more in winter than summer?
- Do you need help managing the emotions and difficulties of the holidays?
- Do you find yourself unable to enjoy the experiences you expect to enjoy?
Located in Jericho, NY, Right Path Counseling is equipped to serve patients across both Nassau and Suffolk County. We provide top-tier mental health services, with a focus on treating SAD through a variety of therapeutic approaches. For those unable to attend in-person sessions, we also offer remote therapy options via secure TeleHealth services.
Understanding the Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a complex condition that can be biological, psychological, or both. It is typically triggered by reduced natural sunlight during the fall and winter months, affecting the brain’s chemistry. Without the light that our eyes are used to, our brains are not able to create some of the “good feeling” neurotransmitters that help us cope with life’s stresses. Not only is it darker earlier this time of year, but most of us spend even more time indoors out of the cold, causing an increase in these symptoms.
However, light is only one potential factor in seasonal depression. Others, like family trauma, holiday stressors, and lifestyle changes can also contribute to its onset. Symptoms typically include sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and low energy. At Right Path Counseling, we take a holistic and patient-centered approach, ensuring that the unique experiences of each individual with SAD are thoroughly understood and addressed.
Tailored Treatment Strategies for SAD
Because seasonal affective disorder can have different factors, the approach to treatment can vary as well. Our therapists need to get to know you to discover what is triggering the seasonal depression, so we can get an idea of what the best approach will be to help solve it. Our treatment plans for Seasonal Affective Disorder are diverse and personalized, and may include:
- Light Therapy – Utilizing a special light box that mimics natural outdoor light, this therapy is effective in altering brain chemistry to improve mood and alleviate symptoms.
- Psychotherapy – Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help manage symptoms by addressing negative thoughts and behaviors associated with SAD.
- Lifestyle Modifications – We emphasize lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and maximizing natural sunlight exposure, to enhance the management of SAD.
In cases where SAD is linked to past family trauma or unique holiday stressors, alternative therapy modalities are explored to provide comprehensive care.
Why Work With Right Path Counseling?
Choosing Right Path Counseling means opting for compassionate, effective care tailored to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Our team fosters a supportive, non-judgmental environment conducive to healing and managing SAD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder can profoundly affect your life, but effective treatment can help manage and overcome these challenges. If you’re in Long Island and struggling with SAD, reach out to Right Path Counseling for expert care and support. We are committed to assisting you through every season of your life.
FAQs About Seasonal Affective Disorder
Q: If Seasonal Depression is Biological, Caused by Low Light, How Can Therapy Help?
A: Our minds are malleable. Even though the reaction to low light can affect our mental health, we can change that affect by learning cognitive tools to address the depressive symptoms. Light can help which is why light therapy can be valuable, but learning coping strategies and other tools to address seasonal depression can be especially advantageous.
Q: If Seasonal Affective Disorder Goes Away, Do I Need to Treat It?
A: Your mental health is important, and the quality of life you have is too. If you’re struggling frequently with seasonal depression, that means that a large chunk of your life is not being spent happily and the way you deserve. In addition, experiencing a winter with depression is difficult, and we want to avoid an increased risk of developing major depressive disorder.
Q: Can I Experience Seasonal Depression in Summer?
A: In theory, yes! Many issues can create seasonal affective disorder. You can have summer trauma, or the heat of the summer may keep you indoors more and away from natural light. If you have depressive symptoms that seem to occur the same time every season, it is worth exploring whether or not these are related to some form of seasonal depression.
