Spring is just around the corner, and most everyone is looking forward to spending more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather. During the winter months, it’s common to experience diminished energy levels and bigger appetites. In areas like Iowa where winter means cold and snow, almost everyone goes through bouts of “cabin fever.” But for some, winter brings more than the “blahs.” Season Affective Disorder (SAD) can be a serious form of depression. Symptoms include a dramatic loss of energy, social isolation, and overeating—especially foods high in carbohydrates.
A diagnosis of SAD is made when depressive symptoms accompany the changing seasons, typically when autumn gives way to winter. Research shows that a lack of ultraviolet light from the sun and deficiency of vitamin D may disrupt the body’s internal clock. For this reason, therapy for SAD often makes use of an indoor ultraviolet light.
Everyone has days when they feel blue for one reason or another (and, sometimes, for no real reason in particular). But if symptoms of SAD are interfering with your daily routine, don’t simply wait for these feelings to pass with the changing of the seasons (because, quite likely, they’ll be back again next winter). Take charge of your well-being and seek the help of a mental health professional in your area.
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