Seasonal depression and addiction often occur together during certain times of the year. Some individuals might not realize that they are struggling with seasonal depression, and it can be challenging to manage seasonal depression and addiction. There are ways to cope with seasonal depression, sometimes referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), such as seeking help at Westwind Recovery®.
What Is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal depression occurs at different seasons, particularly starting in the fall, and possibly lasting well into the new year. Individuals with substance use disorders often feel the effects of the correlation between seasonal depression and addiction. The leaves start falling from the trees, an indicator that the holidays are rapidly approaching once again. Holidays are typically difficult for individuals with addiction issues and may lead to a variety of seasonal depression symptoms, including:
- Having low energy
- Feeling depressed for a majority of the time
- Experiencing changes in appetite or eating habits
- Feeling sluggish or fatigued
- Experiencing feelings of sadness or loneliness or hopelessness
- Social withdrawal
An individual with SAD likely does not experience every symptom but can experience a range of emotions throughout the winter.
Are There Issues with Seasonal Depression and Addiction?
When an individual experiences sadness, depression, feelings of loneliness, and hopelessness and also struggles with addiction, the first thing the person may do is turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.
Westwind Recovery®’s treatment professionals understand that the results of studies confirm the existence of seasonal depression. The staff also recognizes the detrimental effects that occur when an individual self-medicates with alcohol or other drugs to deal with the symptoms.
Our empathetic, caring staff determines a person’s specific treatment needs and create personalized treatment plans for everyone in our care. We offer a number of addiction treatment programs that can help a person begin their journey to recovery.
What Can I Do About Seasonal Depression and Addiction Issues?
Individuals do not have to experience a multitude of seasonal depression symptoms alone. It’s possible to avoid the potential downward spiral that often occurs while experiencing depression and addiction by seeking treatment. Experiencing symptoms that are associated with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) do not just magically go away on their own, and they require professional intervention, not self-medicating behaviors that lead to substance use issues.
One aspect of SAD is the fact that it is often associated with low levels of sunlight during the fall and winter months. Another known fact is that the condition potentially results in the desire to sleep longer and to avoid social contact.
Westwind Recovery® features Adventure Therapy, a type of exciting therapy that focuses on the whole-body health approach and gets clients out into the world and engaged in activities. Clients learn to unlock emotions, engage in activities, form social contacts they likely would not otherwise experience, and learn to cope without turning to substance use. Enjoy the program’s challenges and take risks while participating in fun activities that are ideal for any age.
Engaging in comprehensive treatment is the best way to help understand seasonal depression and addiction and to successfully cope with these issues in a healthy manner.
Help for Seasonal Depression and Addiction at Westwind Recovery®
Experienced staff members are here to help you on your road to recovery. Our clients begin in detox, go through individualized treatment, and potentially join a sober living home. We provide a variety of treatment programs, based on each client’s individual treatment needs.
We offer access to:
- Six residential beds
- Six detox beds
- 80 outpatient beds
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Specialized LGBTQ addiction treatment
- Life skills
Contact us at 855.340.8832 and get started on your new life without experiencing the effects of disorders such as seasonal depression and addiction. Contact our professional, caring staff right now.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
