Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly known as SAD, is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year – most often in the fall and winter months. While many people experience a dip in mood during shorter, darker days, SAD is more than just a seasonal slump. It can significantly impact your ability to function and enjoy life.
At Ballem Harmony Clinic, we believe that understanding the causes and symptoms of SAD is the first step toward healing. If you’re in Bryan, College Station, or the greater Brazos Valley area, and winter feels heavier than it should, you’re not alone – and help is available.
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder? The exact cause of SAD isn’t fully understood, but several factors are known to contribute:
- Reduced sunlight exposure can disrupt your internal clock (circadian rhythm), leading to feelings of depression.
- Lower serotonin levels, a brain chemical that affects mood, may result from diminished sunlight.
- Melatonin imbalances can affect your sleep and mood patterns, contributing to the fatigue and sadness common in winter.
Common Symptoms of SAD SAD symptoms mirror those of major depression, but with a seasonal pattern. These may include:
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Low energy and fatigue
- Oversleeping
- Craving carbohydrates and weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of hopelessness
If you experience these symptoms consistently during the colder months, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional.
Natural and Integrative Approaches to Support At Ballem Harmony Clinic, we approach mental health with a whole-person perspective. Here are a few supportive steps that may help:
- Light Therapy: Daily exposure to a light box can help balance your circadian rhythm and improve mood.
- Mindfulness and Movement: Practices like yoga or gentle stretching promote both physical and emotional resilience.
- Nutrition and Herbal Support: Certain foods and herbs may support serotonin production and overall emotional balance.
- Professional Guidance: Holistic counseling and integrative therapies can address the root causes of SAD and support lasting healing.
You Are Not Alone If you’re struggling with SAD in Bryan, College Station, or anywhere in the Brazos Valley, remember that seasonal depression is a common – and treatable – condition. At Ballem Harmony Clinic, our caring professionals are here to help you feel more balanced, supported, and whole, even during the darkest days.
About Ballem Harmony Clinic
Located in the heart of Bryan, Texas, Ballem Harmony Clinic delivers compassionate, patient‑centered psychiatry and mental health services to individuals across the Brazos County and Brazos Valley region. With a foundation built on trust, empathy, and clinical excellence, their expert team of licensed psychiatric providers offers innovative, evidence‑based treatments designed to help patients achieve balance, wellness, and lasting mental harmony. Now accepting new patients, Ballem Harmony Clinic is your partner in holistic mental health care.
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