Dealing With Seasonal Depression

Although winter can be a season many people look forward to, for others, it can be problematic to their health. With the weather getting colder and days getting colder, it’s easy to become more susceptible to certain forms of depression. There is a medical condition that explains this, which is known as seasonal affective disorder. If you feel depressed each winter, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Dr. Joel Kuppersmith’s office. Our psychologist in Huntington, NY, is well versed in this area and can help you cope with these negative feelings.  

Symptoms Associated With Seasonal Depressions

We all have bad days now and again. Just because you feel sad one day during the winter, it doesn’t mean you are dealing with seasonal affective disorder. However, you must recognize the symptoms that point to its onset so that you can receive the help that you need. Some of the telltale signs our psychologist in Huntington, NY, says to look for includes the following:

• Feeling depressed most of the day.
• Having low energy.
• Issues with sleeping.
• Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
• Sudden changes in appetite or weight.

What Are The Causes?

In order to start dealing with seasonal depression, it’s helpful for patients to understand the root causes of this disorder. There are several reasons that this issue can take place in your life. Fortunately, our psychologist in Huntington, NY, will help no matter what the problem is that you’re facing. Common factors that can lead to seasonal depression may include the following:

• The reduced sunlight begins to interfere with your circadian rhythm (internal clock).
• Drops in serotonin levels.
• Disruptions of the balance of melatonin in your body, which interferes with sleep schedules.

Working With Our Psychologist In Huntington

Depression is always something that should be taken seriously. Even if what you are dealing with is seasonal, it’s still essential you seek out medical attention. As an expert in helping patients work through this problem, our psychologist in Huntington, NY, will be there to help. The ways patients can deal with this include:

• Light therapy.
• Psychotherapy to help patients talk through and better understand what they are facing.
• Meditation or guided imagery.
• Adjusting your sleep schedule.
• Make time to exercise and be active.
• Get outside during the day to take in the sunlight.
• In severe cases, the use of prescribed antidepressants and other medications.

Schedule An Appointment

Seasonal depression is a genuine problem that many people face each winter. While this condition can make you feel like you’re alone, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Here at Dr. Joel Kuppersmith’s office, we will always be there to help patients in need. To get the help you need, please don’t hesitate to contact our psychologist in Huntington, NY, today so you can schedule an appointment.