With colder weather and shorter days, winter is officially here. It’s not unusual for people to experience seasonal mood changes at this time of year. Reduced energy, changes in eating habits, and feeling a bit down can all be signs of the “winter blues.” Instead of jumping out of bed ready to greet the day, many people want to crawl under the covers and wait for spring. However, should these symptoms present themselves in a more serious manner, or should depression set in, it could be a sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka, apt acronym: SAD).
Seasonal Affective Disorder can impact a person’s health, productivity and relationships. While cold weather may lead to less activity, the seasonal pattern most directly linked with this disorder is diminishing daylight. This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock, reduce levels of feel-good chemicals in the brain (such as serotonin and melatonin), and disrupt sleep patterns that affect your daily mood. [Read more…] about Manage Winter SADness