Brighten up this Winter with Brightland Health: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As Chicago’s days grow shorter and the skies turn gray, many people start to feel their mood dip. If you notice your energy fading like the daylight or your interests slipping away during the winter months, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD.) While SAD is not a stand-alone diagnosis it can be considered a type of depression where you might experience mood changes that occur in fall and winter months and usually improve with the arrival of spring. 

At Brightland Health, we specialize in helping patients overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder through evidence-based treatments such as suggesting Bright Light Therapy and prescribing targeted medications.

Clinical research has shown that Bright Light Therapy, typically involving exposure to a 10,000-lux light box for 30–60 minutes each morning, can significantly improve symptoms of SAD. This safe and non-invasive treatment may help in restoring balance to your mood and energy.

Most people tolerate Bright Light Therapy very well, though mild side effects like eye strain or headaches can occur. Many choose this treatment because it may provide faster symptom relief and tends to have a more favorable side effect profile than medications.

For others, antidepressants such as SSRIs (particularly Fluoxetine) and Bupropion XL may offer powerful relief from Seasonal Affective Disorder. These medications have strong evidence for preventing recurrence of depression. While it can take 2–6 weeks to feel their full effects, these options remain a cornerstone of SAD treatment.

If you’re trying Bright Light Therapy this winter, consistency is key. Use your light daily until spring, even after your mood begins to improve.

And remember: you don’t have to navigate SAD alone. The compassionate psychiatry providers and therapy providers at Brightland Health (based in Lakeview, Lincoln Park and also serving the areas of Chicago) are here to guide you through your options, personalize your care, and help you feel like yourself again.

Call Brightland Health today to discuss Bright Light Therapy, medication options, and comprehensive treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder in Chicago. A brighter future awaits you.