What Seasonal Affective Disorder is and what it isn’t

What it is:

-Beginning in late fall and continuing in winter months

-Increase in specific people due to light deprivation.

-Less Vitamin D can affect you during the winter months.

-Counseling can provide new ways to look at sad moods and low energy.

-SAD is specific with increased sleep and a greater desire for carbs.

-Energy levels are in line with daylight exposure. Reaches out for help when struggling

People who are sad often overproduce melatonin. Melatonin responds to darkness with sleepiness. As winter seasons increase, darkness does as well, which continues to produce more melatonin which leads to sleepiness and low energy. Although melatonin could play a role, it can’t account for the complete reason for SAD. People who have these patterns are suggested to reduce starches and sugars in diet, exercise, more, and increase social interaction. The common increase in starches and sweets during the holidays might have an impact as well on the change in nutrition and diet. People who experience SAD can overcome it by putting in a routine, getting more exercise, spending more time outdoors, and seeking counseling. I would encourage using the experience of SAD to your advantage. If there are hard feelings and moods going on, don’t wait to work on them in the summer.

What it isn’t:

-Persistent sadness lasting for all seasons

-Often not extreme depression and suicidal thoughts

-They are just the “winter blues”!

-Not just an adult disorder, all ages are affected.