For most people, the holiday season is the best time of the year. However, for individuals dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder, it’s a very different story. Yes, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recognized mental health condition, and it affects around 10 million people in the United States.

The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) typically kick in during fall and continue deep into the winter months. They include:

• Fatigue
• Social withdrawal
• Depression

While the exact causes of SAD are yet to be identified, a commonly accepted theory is that it’s related to the melatonin levels in the body. SAD-induced depression, commonly referred to as “winter blues”, can adversely impact a person’s life in a variety of ways. It can affect their academic or work performance, their social lives, and their personal relationships. Also, people with seasonal depression often find it difficult to open up about their feelings.

Hypnosis for Seasonal Affective Disorder

The efficacy of hypnosis as a valuable therapy option for a variety of conditions is well documented. It’s a highly effective and efficient option for permanent behavioral change. Hypnosis utilizes the patient’s focus and willingness as well as imaginary imagery to change negative behavioral patterns into positive ones.

Since people are more suggestive to behavioral changes during hypnosis, it has become a commonly used treatment for curing SAD-induced depression. The behavioral changes encouraged by hypnosis generally create a brighter outlook on life, which, in turn, boosts the production of the “feel good” neurotransmitter serotonin.

Hypnosis can also help individuals reframe negative situations, so they feel more like positive outcomes, and let go of negative beliefs that they have resolutely hung on to for so long. Also, when you’re in a state of hypnosis, your mind is highly relaxed yet alert at the same time, which makes it more receptive to suggestion.

Using receptive suggestion, a hypnotherapist can help new and effective strategies for handling anxiety and feelings of depression.

When the dark, cold winter months bring about feelings of anxiety and depression, you don’t have to suffer in silence. You can always reach out for help.

Rekha Shrivastava at Blossom Hypnosis can help you overcome seasonal depression and anxiety! She offers subconscious mind therapy using hypnosis for treating anxiety, overcoming phobias, and implementing self-confidence strategies. Book a free consultation at our office in Rochester, NY. Rekha also offers Skype sessions for clients not residing in Rochester, NY.

Not ready to book an appointment? Learn how self-hypnosis can help you recover from PTSD and depression.