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Supporting Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Published Date: 2024-11-19

November is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this often misunderstood and under-diagnosed mental health condition. As you may know, SAD is a type of depression that occurs seasonally, typically during fall and winter when there are fewer hours of daylight. While it can affect anyone, it is more common for people living in the Northeastern United States where there is less sunlight, colder temperatures, and more inclement weather during these months.

SAD is characterized by a range of symptoms, including:

Low energy and fatigue
Changes in appetite
Sleep disturbances
Social withdrawal
Difficulty concentrating
Increased irritability and anxiety

With the right support and treatment, individuals can manage their symptoms and begin to feel better. We encourage our providers to recognize these symptoms, diagnose SAD, and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include:

Light therapy: Using a special light box to mimic natural sunlight.
Medications: Antidepressants can help regulate mood and improve energy levels.
Psychotherapy: Talking therapy can help manage symptoms and develop coping strategies.
Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can be beneficial.

If you are working with a patient who needs additional assistance in addressing their mental health needs, Highmark Wholecare encourages you to offer them the following resources:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Also offers specialized services for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired, prefer to communicate in Spanish, and military veterans.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Offers support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for people with mental illness and their families. Visit their website for local chapters and resources.
National Treatment Locator: Confidential and anonymous resource for people seeking mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
- For Highmark Wholecare Medicaid members, please refer the member to their Behavioral Health Managed Care Organization.
- For Highmark Wholecare Medicare D-SNP members, Highmark Wholecare has Behavioral Health Care Managers who can be reached at 1-800-685-5209.

Join us in raising awareness about SAD and encouraging those who may need assistance seeking help. By understanding the condition and its impact, we can create a more supportive environment for individuals with SAD and help them find positive ways to cope during the fall and winter months.

In our December Provider News email, we will continue the conversation around mental health and take a closer look at loneliness during the holiday season.