Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Treatment
If the changing seasons bring more than just cold weather—leaving you feeling drained, down, and disconnected—you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often appearing in fall and winter when sunlight exposure decreases. Reduced daylight affects your body’s ability to regulate serotonin and melatonin, neurotransmitters that influence mood, sleep, and energy levels. As a result, many people with SAD struggle with fatigue, low motivation, and persistent sadness that lasts for months.
Though winter-pattern SAD is the most common, some individuals experience summer-pattern SAD, which is marked by irritability, anxiety, and restlessness during the warmer months. Whether your symptoms occur in winter or summer, SAD is more than just seasonal mood swings—it’s a legitimate mental health condition that deserves treatment.
While light therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes help some people manage their symptoms, others need a more effective, fast-acting approach. Ketamine therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that works differently than traditional antidepressants, providing relief for many patients who have struggled with persistent depression.
The Benefits of
Ketamine Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Fast-Acting Relief
Many patients feel a noticeable improvement in mood within hours to days of their first infusion.
Targets the Root Cause
Ketamine helps restore neurotransmitter balance, addressing why SAD symptoms occur.
Lasting Effects
Unlike daily antidepressants, ketamine therapy can provide relief that lasts weeks or months.
Alternative to Traditional Medications
For those who have struggled with ineffective treatments, ketamine offers a new path to recovery.
Signs You May Have
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Extreme Fatigue & Low Energy
No matter how much sleep you get, you feel constantly drained and struggle to complete daily tasks.
Feelings of Hopelessness or Depression
Your mood takes a noticeable dip, and sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness make it difficult to enjoy life.
Unusual Changes in Appetite & Weight
You may crave carbs and sugar, leading to weight gain—or, in the case of summer-pattern SAD, experience a suppressed appetite.
Difficulty Focusing or Completing Tasks
Brain fog and lack of motivation make it hard to concentrate, keep up with work, or stay engaged in social activities.
FAQs About Seasonal Affective Disorder & Ketamine Therapy
How do I know if my seasonal mood changes are actually SAD?
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It’s normal to feel a little less energetic during the colder months, but SAD is more than just a seasonal slump. If you’re experiencing:
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability
- Exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep
- Changes in appetite, weight, or sleep patterns
- Trouble concentrating or finding motivation
- for two weeks or more, SAD may be affecting your mental health. A professional evaluation can help determine the best course of treatment.
How does ketamine work to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which take weeks to take effect, ketamine works quickly by stimulating glutamate production—a key neurotransmitter that plays a major role in mood regulation. By helping the brain form new neural pathways, ketamine provides long-lasting symptom relief and reverses the effects of depression at a neurological level.
What is a ketamine infusion like?
During a 40-60 minute IV infusion, patients are monitored in a comfortable, controlled environment. Some individuals report feeling a sense of relaxation or dissociation during treatment. Many experience mood improvements within hours to days, and a full treatment series can provide extended relief from SAD symptoms throughout the season.
Find Relief from
Seasonal Affective Disorder
If you’re struggling with seasonal depression, ketamine therapy may offer the rapid relief you’ve been searching for. Visit our offices in Skokie, St. Charles, and Dublin to learn how StrIVeMD Wellness can help you regain energy, balance, and well-being.
