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SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDERS

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, can make you feel like a different person as the seasons change. If you experience low mood, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities during the fall and winter months, you're not alone. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a unique approach to managing SAD and reclaiming your well-being throughout the year.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and ACT: Bringing Light to Darker Days

At New Horizons Therapy NY, our therapists utilize ACT to help you navigate the challenges of SAD and live a fulfilling life, even when the days are shorter and darker.

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Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder:

SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically occurring during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. Common symptoms include:

  • Low mood: Feeling sad, down, or hopeless.

  • Fatigue and low energy: Feeling sluggish and tired even with sufficient sleep.

  • Loss of interest: Reduced interest in activities you once enjoyed.

  • Sleep changes: Oversleeping (hypersomnia) or difficulty sleeping.

  • Appetite changes: Increased appetite, especially cravings for carbohydrates, and weight gain.

  • Social withdrawal: Feeling like "hibernating" and withdrawing from social activities.

 

How ACT Helps with SAD:

ACT empowers you to manage SAD by:

  • Mindful Acceptance: Acknowledge and accept your thoughts and feelings related to SAD without judgment. This helps you create space between you and your experience, reducing the struggle against it.

  • Cognitive Defusion: Recognize that your thoughts are not facts. This helps you detach from negative thoughts like "I can't function in the winter" or "I'm a burden to others."

  • Values Clarification: Identify what truly matters to you, even during the winter months. Connect with your values to guide your actions and create a meaningful life despite SAD.

  • Committed Action: Engage in activities that align with your values, even when you're feeling low energy or unmotivated. This can include spending time outdoors, connecting with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies that bring you joy.

 

Benefits of ACT for SAD:

  • Improved mood regulation: Manage low mood and other emotional challenges associated with SAD.

  • Increased energy and motivation: Combat fatigue and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

  • Reduced social withdrawal: Maintain social connections and combat feelings of isolation.

  • Enhanced coping skills: Develop strategies to navigate the challenges of SAD and reduce its impact on your life.

  • Greater self-awareness: Understand your emotional patterns and triggers related to seasonal changes.

 

Embrace the Seasons with Greater Well-being:

If you're struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder, ACT can provide you with the tools and support you need to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life throughout the year. Contact New Horizons Therapy NY to learn more about how ACT can help you brighten your days and embrace the seasons with greater well-being.

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