Different methods of treating SAD

There are ways to prevent SAD symptoms and alleviate them. It is very important to take the initiative early on: If you notice that your mood and your daily energy are decreasing in quality as the days get shorter, you should do something about it before more symptoms appear. Also make sure you remain active: spend as much time outdoors as possible - especially when it is bright outside - and exercise, because regularly exercising is good for the body and soul.

In addition to that, day light therapy is a proven method against this form of winter depression called 'SAD' - seasonally affective disorder. These complaints were first described by Norman Rosenthal in 1984. The use of light therapy is based on the assumption that the functionality of the 'internal clock' of SAD patients is delayed. Thus day light therapy in the morning has quickly proven itself as the obvious form of therapy for relieving symptoms of SAD.

Light therapy has the advantage that its effect can be noticed quite quickly and the light therapy itself has few or no side effects at all. The classical method of light therapy using a daylight lamp involves sitting in front of the lamp for a long time, during which one is bound to the location of the therapy. The Valkee daylight headset is a more mobile and flexible light therapy device, that provides light to the brain via the ear canal rather than the eyes. The treatment duration is much shorter and does not requires the user to continuously sit in front of the device.

However, severe SAD symptoms may require alternative or additional treatments depending on the consultation with the doctor. In these cases, Antidepressants can prove to be effective. With this regard, however, it should be noted that it can take several weeks before you feel the full effect of antidepressants. It may also be possible that initially different drugs must be tried until one is found that works best and has the least side effects. Psychotherapy is another alternative form of treatment. While it doesn't have an effect in therms of chemistry, such as is the case with antidepressants, it is actually aimed at the root causes of the problem. Psychotherapy can help recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors, as well as teach healthy ways of dealing with stress and symptoms of SAD.

Whichever form of treatment is chosen, it's good to be consistent and patient!