Light Therapy Benefits for Winter Seasonal Depression

During the colder months, many people struggle with winter seasonal depression, which affects their overall quality of life. When sunshine is scarce, many Americans experience difficulties associated with their mental health, mainly due to a decrease in daylight hours that can easily trigger feelings of sadness.

Winter Seasonal Depression, which is a part of what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a kind of depression occurring at a certain period of the year, usually during the fall and winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Sometimes it is called Winter Depression or Winter SAD because the symptoms are more apparent and severe during these months.

For those who suffer from winter blues, a breakthrough therapy called light therapy offers a natural approach to such feelings, simulating sunlight exposure that reverses the symptoms of this common condition.

The exact cause of SAD in Winter isn’t fully understood, but it is often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight, which may affect the body’s internal clock. It is also known that this lack of natural light upsets the body’s circadian rhythms and serotonin levels, leading to mood changes. As daylight dwindles during colder months, we all feel more exhausted, and irritable with a general sense of gloom.

Suspected Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder

• The change in seasons can impact the balance of certain hormones in those vulnerable to Winter Seasonal Depression. These changes contribute to significant fatigue and mood swings that are quite common when winter arrives.
• Genetic predisposition has been seen to play a role in vulnerability to SAD. For example, women are much more affected than men.
• Nutritional deficiencies can worsen Winter Depression symptoms too. With fewer fresh fruits available during chilly months, vitamin D intake often decreases drastically since it naturally comes from sun exposure enjoyed throughout warmer times each year.
• Cold temperatures may discourage outdoor activities that improve moods through either exercise or socialization opportunities, contributing directly to isolation, which worsens overall well-being over these long, dark months.
• Those living further north or in regions with longer winters face greater risks due to extended periods without adequate sunlight exposure.

Who knew we needed the sun so much and all those childhood pictures of the sun being depicted as having a smile on it were true! This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “winter blues” doesn’t it?

Now the question is how can we tell when we have been overcome with simple blues as compared to more serious symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Typical Symptoms of SAD can include:

• Common symptoms of winter seasonal depression include feelings of persistent fatigue, irritability, and/or hopelessness.
• Food cravings, especially for carbohydrates, are common during periods of seasonal depression.
• Social isolation may be exhibited by individuals who experience winter seasonal changes in mood.
• Sleep problems often are reported by those who suffer from symptoms of winter seasonal depression.
• Problems concentrating are also a concern for many who experience this illness.

Light therapy is a practical way of improving these symptoms by stimulating the production of serotonin, our happiness hormone, in the brain. With regular exposure to bright white or blue spectrum lights, usually 10-20 times brighter than standard indoor lighting, patients say they experience increased alertness and reduced sadness or hopelessness.

This non-invasive method offers relief from chronic lethargy, increased well-being, improved sleeping patterns, and boosts overall mental health during darker months.

Christian Counseling for Seasonal Depression in Longview, Washington

For those who may experience more severe or longer-lasting episodes of Winter Seasonal Depression, other treatments can be used alongside light therapy, including faith-based psychotherapy in Longview, Washington and certain prescribed medications.

Research shows that most of the users have increased productivity coupled with reduced anxiety levels after continuously undergoing these therapeutic sessions.

More severe issues can only be overcome with thoughtful strategies supported by expert advice. If you would like to be connected with a therapist in Longview, Washington who is trained to help you integrate this treatment, contact our office today at Longview Christian Counseling.