Feel a little down during the darker months? You’re not alone. Up to 26%- of the population suffers from seasonal depression. The “winter blues,” which is usually mild and short-lived, is responsible in some cases but many are the result of a more severe form of the condition: seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. The winter blues and SAD both come on around the same time of year, but SAD can be far...
Let us count the ways that we love fall: Pumpkin spice lattes, back-to-school excitement, tree leaves changing into sunset colors, crisp air and long walks, and of course that extra hour of sleep when we “fall back” for daylight savings time. But just as some prefer regular coffee to seasonal-flavored drinks, there are those who dislike that autumn time change. Do they have a point? Could daylight...
If you experience depression, exhaustion, or sadness during a specific season, you’re not alone. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a diagnosable mental health challenge that affects more than -10 million Americans- each year, and it’s something I’ve struggled with season after season. Some view SAD as the “winter blues,” but it can be more serious than that. Common Misconceptions about SAD - Seasonal...
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a -type of depression- that cycles with the seasons. In most cases, the symptoms appear in the fall and winter. However, some people experience SAD in the spring and summer months. The -symptoms- associated with SAD are similar to depression and include loss of interest, sleep difficulties, low energy, lack of appetite and feelings of hopelessness. Those who experience...
Many people experience a dip in mood or a full-blown case of the blues during the winter months. While the -exact cause- of the winter blues—defined as occasional feelings of being down—is unknown, it is believed that changes in serotonin and melatonin levels, both of which are sensitive to dwindling amounts of sunlight, may play a role. The winter blues should not be confused with chronic depression...