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Anxiety With Seasonal Affective Disorder

More than just a case of the "winter blahs," seasonal affective disorder is an illness that can lead to devastating bouts of depression. Most people don't associate depression with anxiety, but if you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD), both can come in the same package.

  1. Seasonal Affective Disorder

    • Seasonal affective disorder is a cyclic condition that usually occurs during fall and winter, when nights get longer and sunlight is lacking. Seasonal affective disorder causes feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and sadness, along with a lack of interest in once enjoyed activities--all classic signs of depression. Spring's longer days usually signal an end to SAD.

    Anxiety

    • While anxiety might not seem to fit with the flattened affect and loss of energy that comes with depression, anxiety is one of the symptoms of SAD. Signs of anxiety include obsessive worries, irrational or obsessive fears, insomnia, trembling, panic and chest pain.

    How are Anxiety and Depression Related?

    • It's common for someone with any type of depression, including SAD, to also have anxiety, and vice versa. These conditions often come hand-in-hand. Depression leads to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, triggering anxiety.

    Treating Anxiety

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy may be used to help you deal with feelings of anxiety by teaching you to monitor your thoughts and behaviors, then changing them for better outcomes. Antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications may also help.

    Treating SAD

    • Season affective disorder can be treated with antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, light therapy or a combination of therapies.

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