How to treat seasonal affective disorder?

Kevin Mangelschots·22/07/2025·0 comments

Evidence-based treatment options

  1. Light therapy (phototherapy)
    • Most effective, especially if it started early in the season.
    • Involves sitting near a 10,000-lux light box for ~20–30 minutes each morning.
  1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-SAD)
    A therapy session with a psychologist.
    • A modified form of CBT designed for SAD.
    • Aims at discovering pessimistic thoughts about winter and promoting behavioral activation.
  1. Medication
    • SSRIs like fluoxetine or bupropion XL are often prescribed.
    • Bupropion is FDA-approved for preventing SAD episodes if started before symptoms begin.
  1. Lifestyle support
    • Daily walks, mainly in daylight.
    • Keeping a regular sleep schedule.
    • Balanced diet and regular exercise.
    • Mindfulness or relaxation techniques.

I keep a tight workout schedule since it’s proven to release neurotransmitters that make us feel better.

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Kevin

Hi there, I’m Kevin Mangelschots! A little more about myself: - I'm 33 years old. - I’m a registered, licensed, and practicing therapist with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. - Currently practicing at a rehabilitation center located in Belgium. Longtime fitness and gaming enthusiast. - Turned towards psychology, philosophy, mental health, and self-improvement to improve my chronic depression. - My goal is to share evidence-based information with the world that I know is helpful and useful to improve depression and overall well-being. In short, I’m just a guy trying to make sense of the world by thinking about ideas, studying psychology, philosophy, and mental and physical health. I strive to apply my degree in healthcare (occupational therapy) to explain concepts as clearly as possible, based on current research findings.

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