Have you noticed changes in your mood during specific seasons?
Does your mood change based on how much sun exposure you have?
If the answer to either of those questions is yes, you may have seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder is a condition that most commonly presents with episodes of depression during the fall or winter seasons. The current cause is not known, but is likely related to a combination of the following:
- How your eyes respond to limited light
The most common symptoms include increased eating, sleeping and weight gain.
Chestnut Family Health Center’s team can offer symptom management and treatment for patients with seasonal affective disorder. This includes assisting patients with selecting over-the-counter therapies, such as bright-light therapy, which mimics natural sunlight, increasing serotonin, improving mood and decreasing fatigue.
If further management for seasonal affective disorder is needed, Chestnut Health Systems offers cognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of psychotherapy that helps patients learn to identify and change negative thought patterns and develop coping skills.
Chestnut can also provide prescription medication, such as antidepressants, when necessary. Our on-site pharmacy will work with you to obtain them at a lower cost.
To make an appointment at Chestnut Family Health Center, call 888.924.3786 or visit https://www.chestnut.org/chestnut-family-health-center/