Overcome seasonal affective disorder from the comfort of home.
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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons—SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and messing with your mood.
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In addition to the symptoms of MDD, season-specific symptoms of SAD can also include:
Antidepressants are shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. At Brightside, we use data and research to find the right medication for you.
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We use evidence-based therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is proven to be effective in treating seasonal affective disorder.
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A comprehensive approach to care leads to better outcomes. By practicing daily healthy habits and self-care, you can reduce your symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
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Whether you choose medication, therapy, or both, our memberships include expert online care designed to help you feel better, faster.
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Start by answering a clinically-proven set of questions, which will help us understand your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan with Medication, Therapy, or both.
Within 48 hours, you’ll have a video consultation where you can share how you’re feeling and decide on next steps together. If prescribed, your medication will be delivered to your door monthly.
Unlimited messaging, video sessions, and regular check-ins help you stay in touch with your provider so they can monitor your symptoms and adjust until treatment is right for you.
“A literal life saver. So convenient, so effective, and more involved/high touch than my former psychiatrist was. I should have done this a year sooner.”
“Brightside has made such a huge improvement on my quality of life. The ease of access, the convenience of the med delivery, and the intelligent check in scoring system all contribute to a next level quality of care.”
“My provider has answered every question I’ve had, listened to worries and concerns and symptoms, assured me and is truly invested in my quality of care. I’ve gone from moderate-severe depression to mild depression in just 2 months.”
“I am so very grateful to have found Brightside. This is the most hopeful I have felt in maybe two years. Brightside isn't just working for me, it saved me. Brightside really turned may life around.”
“My life is so much better after starting with Brightside. My doctor truly cares about my well being and I’m just so grateful for this.”
“A literal life saver. So convenient, so effective, and more involved/high touch than my former psychiatrist was. I should have done this a year sooner.”
“Brightside has made such a huge improvement on my quality of life. The ease of access, the convenience of the med delivery, and the intelligent check in scoring system all contribute to a next level quality of care.”
“My provider has answered every question I’ve had, listened to worries and concerns and symptoms, assured me and is truly invested in my quality of care. I’ve gone from moderate-severe depression to mild depression in just 2 months.”
“I am so very grateful to have found Brightside. This is the most hopeful I have felt in maybe two years. Brightside isn't just working for me, it saved me. Brightside really turned may life around.”
“My life is so much better after starting with Brightside. My doctor truly cares about my well being and I’m just so grateful for this.”
The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but research points to decreased exposure to daylight as the main contributor. Sunlight exposure stimulates the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that helps control your circadian rhythm. Lack of light throws the circadian rhythm off, which can cause the brain to produce too much melatonin and release less serotonin. The result leaves many people feeling low and lethargic.
Additionally, several attributes may increase your risk of SAD. They include:
It’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But when symptoms enter the moderate to severe range and begin to interfere with social and occupational functioning it may be time to seek professional help. If you are unsure where on the range your symptoms fall, taking a free online evaluation can help figure out the best immediate next step. Brightside offers one on our website for free.
Recognizing a seasonal pattern is the key to an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms usually begin in October or November and subside in March or April. If you believe you may have a seasonal depressive pattern, it’s essential to pay attention to it. Track your symptoms, noting when they begin and when they go away. This self-awareness can help with an accurate diagnosis. Mental health professionals will ask you about your observations and your family history since mood disorders tend to have a genetic component.
There are three major types of treatment for SAD that may be used alone or in combination with the others:
Medication
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to treat the symptoms of SAD. As with other medications, there are side effects to SSRIs. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your mental health condition. You may need to try several different antidepressant medications before finding the one that improves your symptoms without causing side effects. For more information on antidepressants, check out our post 7 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Antidepressants.
Light Therapy
The idea behind light therapy is to supplement the natural light of fall and winter using daily exposure to bright, artificial light indoors. Using a lightbox within the first hour of waking has proven to be effective. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional regarding light therapy before using a light box, but it should deliver 10,000 lux of light and emit as little UV light as possible. 20-30min per day is the recommended dose, at a distance of 2 feet, with eyes open but not looking directly at the light.
Therapy (CBT-SAD)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of treatment that has been shown to be effective in treating SAD. Traditional cognitive behavioral therapy techniques have been adapted for use with SAD (CBT-SAD). CBT-SAD relies on CBT’s basic techniques, such as identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive thoughts. CBT-SAD also incorporates a technique called behavioral activation. Behavioral activation seeks to help someone identify engaging and pleasurable activities, whether indoors or outdoors, to improve coping during the winter months.
Receive ongoing online care from hand-selected providers who are experts in treating anxiety & depression.
Data-driven prescribing that analyzes over 100 unique data points and decades of clinical research to pinpoint your match.
Build the skills needed to overcome anxiety and depression with an evidence-based approach to therapy that is proven to work.
Track your progress at every step, so you and your provider can make informed decisions and adjust your care until it’s right for you.
If you’re in emotional distress, text HOME to connect with a counselor immediately.
Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for 24/7 emotional support.
If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.
