The colder months are already difficult for people who struggle with seasonal depression. However, also being in recovery amidst the isolating environment of the current pandemic presents additional stress. Here’s how you can cope.
Seasonal Affective Disorder causes depression resulting from a lack of sunlight in the colder months. Someone in recovery may have a higher risk of relapse if they also suffer from SAD, especially in the isolating environment of COVID-19. It is essential to understand the ways in which SAD and addiction recovery affect each other and the treatments available.
Bacon Street’s Dr. Hopkins weighs in with more information:
“According to research, there is a relationship between Seasonal Affective Disorder and substance abuse. It has been noted that when individuals who are diagnosed with SAD experience down or “dark days” and the symptoms surface, some people may move towards self-medicating with various substances. For example, if some people are having a down day and they feel sluggish or fatigued, they may use some type of stimulant to give them energy. If one feels depressed or sad, they may reach for wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages to escape or “numb the pain.” Still others may take it a step further and try opioids to ease the pain or dull the depressive emotions. Research has suggested that there are some individuals who struggle with alcohol but may tend to use it seasonally and could be self-medicating for SAD. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 50% of all people who struggle with a mental health disorder will also experience a substance use disorder at some point. When someone is suffering from both a substance use disorder and SAD, it is better that they receive treatment for both conditions simultaneously. If only one of the issues is addressed, it could increase symptoms of the other condition. One article put it plainly, “if only the addiction is addressed, the untreated Seasonal Affective Disorder may trigger a relapse back to substance abuse, and an untreated substance use disorder may worsen depressive symptoms.” For individuals with both mental illness and substance use disorder(s), integrated treatment that addresses all psychiatric disorders provides better results. Individual psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been a treatment that is appropriate for both SAD and substance use disorder. If you are unsure of what steps you should take, please contact a mental health and/or substance abuse professional to receive information and guidance regarding your specific situation.”
Here are several options that can help you manage SAD while in recovery:
- Get evaluated for the co-occurrence of substance abuse and depression
- Consider cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Light therapy boxes can help to boost your mood by mimicking sunlight and thus stimulating the body’s natural circadian rhythms
- Getting some movement in each day, preferably outside
“It is essential to treat overlapping disorders to create the most viable conditions for full recovery.” Here are more resources describing SAD and recovery: