Many of us love fall. The smells, the colors, and the FOOD! What’s not to love you may wonder, unless you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. If you are like most people that suffer from SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and usually last through winter, zapping your energy and making you feel moody. SAD is a subtype of Major Depression that comes and goes based on the seasons. It can include changes in appetite, ability to concentrate, irritability, and negatively affect your sleep.
SAD is more often diagnosed in females and young adults. There also tends to be a genetic component, and it seems to be more common among those living far from the equator who tend to see less sunshine during winter months.
Many are able to relieve the symptoms of SAD through exercise, nutrition, and increasing their exposure to the sun. In more severe cases symptoms can be managed through medication and/or light therapy. Knowing there are answers and that you don’t have to suffer alone is a good start to seeking the help you may need.