Can seasonal depression be treated by video?

Yes. We see adults anywhere in South Carolina by secure video, or in person at our West Ashley office, and the first visit looks at your mood pattern across several years before a plan is built with you.

How is SAD different from the holiday blues?

NIMH describes the holiday blues as sadness or anxiety brought on by stressful times of year, while SAD is depression that returns on a seasonal schedule and follows daylight.

When should I start planning for winter?

Before the days get short, since some treatment takes weeks to work; if you are struggling now, you can reach out now.

Do I need seasonal symptoms every year?

Not always. NIMH says a diagnosis looks for episodes in one season for at least 2 years in a row, although some people skip a year.

What if winter brings thoughts of suicide?

Winter or not, call or text 988 at any hour for thoughts of suicide, and if there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

← Telehealth Hub

Online Seasonal Depression Care Across South Carolina

A plan for depression that returns with the seasons, by secure video from anywhere in the state or in person in West Ashley.

Seasonal Depression Care by Video

If your mood drops around the same time every year, Hope Behavioral Medicine can look at that pattern with you by secure video from anywhere in South Carolina, or in person at our West Ashley office.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that returns on a seasonal schedule. In the more common winter form, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says symptoms usually begin in late fall or early winter and ease in spring and summer, while a smaller group has the reverse pattern.

South Carolina Is Not Immune

NIMH notes that SAD is more likely in places such as Alaska or New England than in Texas or Florida. Living in South Carolina may lower the odds compared with farther north, but it does not rule SAD out.

What Treatment Looks Like

NIMH names four main treatments: light therapy, talk therapy including a version of cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for SAD, medication, and vitamin D, which can help some people but is not considered effective on its own. Medication when indicated is decided jointly with you, and because some treatment takes weeks to work, it helps to plan before the days shorten.

Talk with your provider before buying a light box, especially if you have bipolar disorder or certain eye conditions, or take a medicine that raises sensitivity to sunlight.

If You Are in Crisis

Thoughts of death or suicide need help right away in any season: call or text 988 at any hour, and in immediate danger call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Hope Behavioral Medicine is not an emergency service.

Request an appointment, call (843) 737-0312, or read about in-person care at our West Ashley office.

Seasonal Depression Care in Your South Carolina Community

Each community page below shows local figures from CDC PLACES and County Health Rankings, plus local notes, for seasonal depression care by video in that area.

Charleston metro

Lowcountry

Georgetown County coast

Seasonal Depression Care in Georgetown

Grand Strand

Seasonal Depression Care in Myrtle Beach

Midlands

Aiken and Savannah River area

Pee Dee

Upstate

Not sure where to start? Browse every South Carolina community we serve or the telehealth FAQ.