If you or a loved one is struggling with feelings of depression, you are not alone. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is more common in the winter months, although it is important to distinguish between SAD and general depression. The National Institutes of Health encourages people to seek treatment if they experience signs or symptoms of depression that persist and do not go away.
SAD is characterized by recurrent episodes of major depression that tend to occur during a specific season, most commonly in the fall and winter months. Symptoms of SAD typically include low energy, excessive sleep, weight gain, and a craving for carbohydrates. It is thought to be related to the reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter, which can disrupt the body’s internal clock and affect mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin.
General depression, on the other hand, can occur at any time of the year and is not tied to specific seasons. It is influenced by various factors, including genetics, life events, and chemical imbalances in the brain. While some people may experience a worsening of their depression symptoms in the winter, many others do not exhibit a seasonal pattern.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or SAD, it’s essential to seek help from a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate treatment and support. Over the past 18 years, Dr. Sricharan Moturi of Saber Psychiatry has carefully cultivated treatment algorithms for medications used to treat and manage depression.
Call Us Today!
In 2020, Dr. Sricharan Moturi founded Saber Psychiatry to evaluate and treatpsychiatric conditions in children, adolescents, and adults in Franklin and Middle Tennessee. Saber Psychiatry is currently accepting new patients ages 2 to 65. Call our offices at 615.678.7839 to schedule an appointment.