The holidays are over. Yet many of us find that we’re still anxious, stressed, or depressed. This may be a sign of seasonal depression, which can affect millions of people this time of year as a result of changes in light, lifestyle, and more.
Seasonal depression typically comes and goes with the seasons, and so many people do not seek treatment as they wait for it to go away. When people do seek treatment, they often see a therapist first – which is a great choice, but also not your only option.
At Skycloud Mental Health, we can discuss all the different treatments available for those struggling with seasonal depression, and are here if you need help. Contact us today to learn more.
About Seasonal Depression and its Treatments
Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, most commonly during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. For those affected, symptoms can include persistent sadness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep and appetite.
While lifestyle changes and light therapy are often the first-line treatments, medications can also play a critical role in managing seasonal depression for individuals who require additional support.
Common Medications for Seasonal Depression
Medications for SAD are often similar to those used for other forms of depression, with a focus on regulating mood, improving energy levels, and reducing symptoms. Here are the most commonly prescribed types:
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are the primary medication used to treat seasonal depression. These medications help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which plays a key role in mood.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) – Examples include Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro). SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain by preventing its reabsorption, which can alleviate depressive symptoms. Often prescribed before the start of the fall or winter season, these medications can be used seasonally to prevent symptoms from developing.
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) – Examples include Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), Duloxetine (Cymbalta). SNRIs target both serotonin and norepinephrine, addressing depressive symptoms and fatigue.
Both of these can be prescribed at any time, but do take a short time to work, so they are often even better prescribed early in a person’s symptoms.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Bupropion is another common choice for managing SAD. It differs from SSRIs and SNRIs by targeting norepinephrine and dopamine instead of serotonin. Bupropion improves energy levels and motivation, and reduces symptoms such as lethargy and difficulty concentrating.
It also has a seasonal specific use. A unique formulation, bupropion XL, is FDA-approved specifically for the prevention of seasonal depression. It is typically started a few weeks before the onset of symptoms, but can be prescribed at any time.
Melatonin Agonists
For individuals whose SAD symptoms are closely tied to disrupted sleep patterns, medications such as Ramelteon (Rozerem) that target the body’s sleep-wake cycle may be beneficial. They wok by mimicking the effects of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, helping to normalize circadian rhythms.
Adjunctive Medications
In some cases, additional medications may be used alongside antidepressants to manage specific symptoms of SAD. For example:
- Anti-Anxiety Medications – For individuals with co-occurring anxiety, medications like buspirone or low-dose benzodiazepines may be prescribed on a short-term basis.
- Stimulants – For severe fatigue or concentration issues, stimulants like modafinil or armodafinil may be considered to improve alertness.
In the psychiatric world, we have to look at all of your symptoms to determine the best next steps. This may include additional medications outside of the traditional medicines, as our way to making sure that you’re getting the support you need.
Medications and Other Solutions
Part of delivering personalized care is making sure that you’re getting personalized support based on your needs. Seasonal depression is complex. Some people have seasonal depression for reasons unrelated to light, while others only need a light box and/or therapy to help them through their issues.
Rather than make a recommendation directly, we encourage you to reach out for custom treatment plans. Our team is here to provide you with individualized care, allowing you to receive the appropriate treatment plan for your needs.
Contact Skycloud Mental Health Today
If you suspect you have seasonal depression, or you’re looking for additional help, contact Skycloud Mental Health today. No referral is necessary and we accept many forms of insurance. We’re happy to schedule with you as soon as possible to support you in getting the help you need.
Reach out to our team today, and let’s begin the process of reducing and managing your seasonal depression symptoms.