How to Treat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is also known as winter depression or the winter blues. An estimated half a million people experience it every winter. It usually takes three or more consecutive winters to confirm a diagnosis of SAD. The symptoms are consistent with depression. Light therapy is the most common and effective treatment.

Instructions

• 1

  Turn on the light. The most common form of treatment for SAD is light therapy. Using a light box for a specified period of time per day can help treat the disorder.

• 2

  Take a test run. Before buying a light box rent a couple of different boxes to see which one works the best for you. Many companies will either let you rent a box or try one out for a couple of days.

• 3

  Go with the pros. Buy a commercially built light box instead of attempting to make one. A professional box ensures that there are no hot spots which could damage the user's eyes.

• 4

  Set up a routine to effectively treat SAD. Light therapy needs to be done daily in order to be affective. The best results are found when the light therapy is done in the morning.

• 5

  Be realistic. Adhering to a light therapy schedule can be hard when it is necessary to keep it up for a long time. You may feel like you are getting better and want to stop the treatment. Have an objective person help you monitor your treatment response.

• 6

  Get outside. Take advantage of natural sunlight. If the weather permits spend some time outdoors taking in the natural light. Walking on a sunny day can be a tremendous help in therapy.

• 7

  See a doctor. A trip to the doctor can help you see if you should be treated for SAD and if your condition is approving or if you are being treated for the right disorder.