Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that can be extremely difficult to manage. Luckily, The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center in sunny South Florida is the perfect place to seek treatment for seasonal affective disorder. We accept various insurance plans and offer comfortable housing for those seeking more intensive treatment.
Call us today at (877) 958-9212, or continue reading to learn more about seasonal affective disorder treatment in Florida.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to the shift of seasons, typically occurring during the fall and winter months when there is less daylight. Signs of seasonal depression are low mood, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, or changes in sleep, appetite, or weight.
Many people may experience the winter blues in the colder months with less sunlight, but there are key differences between winter blues vs. SAD. The winter blues are a lowered mood due to the short days or cold weather, but SAD is a form of depression that involves chemical imbalances in the brain that revolve around seasonal patterns.
SAD can greatly impact daily functioning and have negative effects on your overall health. Fortunately, there are many treatments available to address SAD, and with proper management, you can significantly improve your symptoms and overall emotional well-being.
Also known as winter depression, SAD is thought to be caused by reduced exposure to sunlight, which can disrupt the body’s internal clock and lead to imbalances in brain chemicals. Serotonin, the happiness hormone, and melatonin, a sleep-related hormone, are both proven to be lower in those suffering from SAD.
These imbalances can impact disposition and sleep, which can lead to decreased mood and motivation. SAD can also negatively impact the personal, professional, and social aspects of your life. Seasonal affective disorder has been studied at length, and there are many effective and comprehensive therapies available to help you cope in the moments of darkness and remind you that the sun will come out again.
Seasonal affective disorders are not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. There are variations that can alter the severity of your symptoms and dictate the best therapy for SAD. The most common factors that contribute to SAD are sensitivity to changes in sunlight exposure and circadian rhythm disruptions, which can impact the happiness and sleep hormones serotonin and melatonin.
There is also evidence to suggest that there may be a genetic predisposition component to SAD. Statistically, women experience SAD with more frequency than men. Additionally, location and climate can have an impact on the severity of SAD. If you live in a colder climate, you are more likely to experience SAD than someone who does not. Additionally, stress and other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, can also play a role.
There are several general signs of seasonal depression to watch out for, such as sadness as the days get shorter or an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness. More specific emotional symptoms of seasonal depressive disorder include anxiety, moodiness, and increased sensitivity.
You may also notice that you sleep more, gain weight, avoid social situations, or lose interest in sexual activity or hobbies that once brought you joy. It is important to note how these symptoms change as the seasons shift. If you are consistently facing these challenges at particular times of the year, you could be dealing with seasonal affective disorder.
If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from SAD, you are likely wondering about seasonal affective disorder therapies that are proven to help ease symptoms. Many mental health interventions can help address symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, but here are just a few of the most common ones.
If you’re seeking mental health treatment for seasonal affective disorder in Florida, know that The Sylvia Brafman Mental Health Center has a variety of treatment options available to help you feel joy and hope again, even in the dead of winter. Our holistic treatment center is just west of sunny Fort Lauderdale at 7710 NW 71st Ct, Tamarac, FL 33321.
If you would like to learn more about the insurance policies we accept, our treatment program offerings, or our admissions process, call us today at (877) 958-9212.
Though you may automatically think of the winter months when you think of seasonal affective disorder, it is possible to experience seasonal depression at other times of the year as well. Here are some of the different seasonal patterns that SAD can follow.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) therapy and treatment centers are behavioral health centers that specialize in diagnosing and treating SAD. These therapy clinics offer a combination of services tailored to address the unique challenges of a seasonal depression diagnosis, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication, or light therapy lamps for depression. Sometimes specialized therapies such as TMS or EMDR are also used.
These rehabilitation centers may also provide lifestyle modifications that can ease symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. These modifications include sleep hygiene education and promoting exercise for physical health. Some integrative treatment centers may offer natural remedies for seasonal depression, such as vitamin D, nutrition counseling, and stress reduction techniques. Treatment centers aim to provide comprehensive care to help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life during challenging seasons.
If you would like to learn more about how Sylvia Brafman can help you manage your symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, contact us for more information about our mental health programs.
There are many different kinds of treatment for seasonal affective disorder in Florida, and the one that will work best for you depends on the severity of your symptoms and your goals for treatment. Whether you want occasional support or something more intensive, specialty treatment centers like Sylvia Brafman have programs to suit your needs.
Yes, health insurance companies typically cover treatment for depression, including treatment for seasonal affective disorder in Florida. Federal law dictates that mental health services must be covered by insurance to the same extent as other healthcare needs. However, the full extent of your coverage will depend on your treatment type and the details of your insurance policy.
It is wise to understand the full scope of your insurance plan to ensure that you know exactly what services you will receive support for. Read your insurance policy in detail to fully comprehend the components of your plan, including copays, premiums, deductibles, and any prior authorization requirements. We are also happy to help clarify the details of your plan. Call us at (877) 958-9212 for insight into the benefits your insurance plan offers for seasonal affective disorder treatment in Florida.
Seeking treatment for SAD at a recovery center may seem overwhelming, but we are here to walk you through the steps so that you know what to expect. While the admissions process can vary from one healthcare facility to another, you can expect some variation of the following:
The cost of seasonal affective disorder treatment in Florida can vary depending on a few different components. Some of these factors include insurance coverage and the type of treatment program you are admitted to. For example, SAD outpatient therapy can be as little as a $50 copay with insurance or can be up to $250 without.
If you need specialized forms of therapy, such as TMS, the costs could be higher. A single course of TMS treatment for seasonal affective disorder can cost between $6,000 and $12,000. If you need a more intensive program structure, such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or residential/inpatient, the costs will continue to climb. Ultimately, the cost of mental health treatment for seasonal affective disorder will depend on whether you are using insurance and the type of treatment you seek.
