It’s the first day of fall! As the days grow shorter and the skies turn grey, many people notice subtle shifts in their mood and energy. For some, however, these seasonal changes trigger more intense emotional and physical symptoms — a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the transition period between seasons of the year. It most commonly occurs during the fall or winter seasons but can also happen during the summer.
The signs and symptoms of SAD are similar to those of major depression. The major sign of SAD is a sad, despairing mood that lasts more than two weeks, is present most days, and impairs someone’s personal and/or work life.
Other symptoms of SAD include:
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Persistent low mood
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Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
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Fatigue or low energy
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Changes in sleep and appetite
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Difficulty concentrating
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Feelings of hopelessness or irritability
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Social withdrawal
If you notice these symptoms occurring around the same time each year, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.
What Causes SAD?
The exact causes of SAD aren’t fully known, but several contributing factors include:
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Reduced sunlight disrupts the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm).
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Lower serotonin levels- a neurotransmitter that affects mood.
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Melatonin imbalances- which affect sleep and emotional regulation.
How We Support Clients with SAD
At our counselling and neurofeedback clinic, we take a holistic, evidence-informed approach to supporting individuals with SAD. Treatment is tailored to your unique needs, and may include:
Neurofeedback for Mood Regulation
Neurofeedback is a non-invasive brain training method that helps regulate brain activity. For individuals with SAD, neurofeedback can:
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Improve emotional regulation
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Enhance sleep quality
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Reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms
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Promote a sense of calm and focus
By training the brain to operate in a more balanced state, clients often experience improved mood stability and resilience- even during the challenging winter months.
Counselling & Talk Therapy
Our licensed therapists offer compassionate, person-centered support to explore:
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Underlying emotional patterns
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Coping strategies for seasonal changes
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Tools to manage negative thoughts and behaviors
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Support for co-occurring concerns like anxiety or grief
We also offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be especially effective in treating SAD.
Light Therapy Support
While we don’t administer light therapy in-clinic, we can guide you in using a light box safely and effectively as part of your overall care plan.
Lifestyle & Self-Care Coaching
Together, we work on building sustainable daily habits that support your mental health- from sleep hygiene and nutrition to mindfulness and movement.
If you think you may be experiencing SAD, reach out to schedule a consultation. Our clinic offers integrated care, combining the emotional support of counselling with the neurological support of neurofeedback to help you feel better, faster.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you through this season.
