Seasonal depression can cause extreme sadness at certain times of the year. This condition often happens in winter when there are fewer hours of light. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD may trigger drug or alcohol abuse to avoid the negative feelings of anxiety and depression. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida in Jupiter, our dual diagnosis detox program addresses your mental health and substance use disorders. Call our team today at 866.294.5306 to discuss our treatment programs.
What Is SAD?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders includes Seasonal Affective Disorder with other major depressive disorders.
Some of the symptoms of SAD include the following:
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Feeling worthless and hopeless
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Weight loss or gain
- Problems concentrating or sleeping
- Changes in appetite
Winter Seasonal Depression
SAD episodes rarely occur in the summer months but are frequent from late fall to early spring. If you have seasonal depression, you may find yourself exhibiting the following behavior:
- Overeating or craving carbs
- Sleeping too much
- Experiencing lack of energy
- Withdrawing from your family and friends
Summer Seasonal Depression
If you have SAD during the summer months, you may show the following symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Agitation and anxiety
- Problems sleeping
- Violent outbursts
What Are the Risk Factors?
Those who live further from the equator may experience seasonal depression more often than those who live in the tropics. Women experience SAD more frequently than men, and younger adults show signs of seasonal depression more than older adults. If you have a family history of seasonal depression, you are more likely to develop SAD.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression often worsen during particular seasons as well.
Causes of SAD
We need more research to understand the causes of seasonal depression. However, three main factors influence mood changes due to seasonal cycles, as follows:
- Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for happiness and well-being.
- Melatonin: This hormone regulates sleep and wake cycles.
- Vitamin D: Underproduction of vitamin D has been linked to increased risk of SAD.
Get Treatment for SAD and Substance Abuse
During the darker days of winter, symptoms of seasonal depression may present more often. To escape feelings of depression and anxiety, you may turn to drugs or alcohol. If you lack energy, you may try to self-medicate with stimulants, whereas those feeling the pangs of depression often turn to alcohol or opioids to numb their feelings.
This cycle of self-medication using drugs and alcohol can lead to addiction. Simultaneously, using drugs and alcohol can exacerbate mental health conditions related to winter or summer seasonal depression. Fortunately, you can find a comprehensive treatment program that addresses both seasonal depression and addiction.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we work with clients at the most vulnerable point of recovery. Our luxury detox center is near the beach in Jupiter, FL. We take advantage of our location to hold holistic therapy sessions outdoors so clients can soak up the sunshine. This is beneficial to those with seasonal depressions in more ways than one.
Some of our programs include the following:
- Behavior therapy program
- Addiction counseling
- Men’s detox center
- Women’s detox center
- Residential and inpatient detox programs
Contact Our Medical Detox Center
If you suffer from seasonal depression and substance use disorders, you may feel like there’s no hope for your future. However, you don’t have to go through the symptoms of SAD every year. After you rid your body of harmful substances associated with drugs and alcohol, we can recommend a suitable recovery program that can help you find ways to cope with your mental health issues without using drugs and alcohol. Contact us at 866.294.5306, or contact us online today to find out more about our services.
