Medically reviewed by Mr. Pratik Masal, MBA (Healthcare Management)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, with low mood, low energy, oversleeping and loss of interest returning at the same time each year — most commonly during the darker, lower-light months — and easing as the season changes. Sharanam provides supervised assessment and residential treatment for people whose seasonal depression becomes severe or disabling.
What the treatment involves
- Psychiatric assessment to confirm the seasonal pattern and rule out other causes of depression.
- Light therapy where clinically indicated.
- Antidepressant medication management where needed, with monitoring.
- Individual therapy, including cognitive behavioural approaches.
- A structured routine with regular sleep, activity and daylight exposure.
- Planning ahead for the at-risk season in future years.
What to expect
SAD is recurring by nature. The aim is to treat each episode effectively and reduce the impact of future ones through early, planned intervention — realistic management rather than a permanent cure.
Questions families ask
It is a recognised depressive pattern, not simply feeling low in a particular season. When the symptoms are severe enough to disrupt sleep, appetite, energy and daily functioning, they warrant proper assessment and treatment.
It can recur seasonally. Because the timing is often predictable, a plan for the months when symptoms usually begin — put in place early — can substantially reduce how severe each episode becomes.