Are you finding yourself a bit sluggish or down lately, particularly as the days become shorter and darker? You might be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly known as SAD. But what exactly is SAD, and how can you cope with it?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a specific type of depression that tends to occur during certain times of the year, most frequently in the fall and winter months when exposure to sunlight decreases.
Are you finding yourself a bit sluggish or down lately, particularly as the days become shorter and darker? You might be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly known as SAD. But what exactly is SAD, and how can you cope with it?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a specific type of depression that tends to occur during certain times of the year, most frequently in the fall and winter months when exposure to sunlight decreases. The reduction in sunlight can disrupt our internal body clock and impact mood-regulating neurotransmitters, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns.
Coined by author and psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal and his colleagues at the National Institute of Mental Health in 1984, SAD affects about 1 in 20 people in the U.S. If you have SAD, you may feel lethargic, experience oversleeping, overeating, weight gain, and a lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed. Many others may experience a milder version, known as the winter blues, where you feel like a sadder, sleepier, or slower version of yourself.
Women are about four times more likely to be affected than men, and the disorder is more prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that approximately 5 percent of American adults suffer from SAD, marked by mood changes and symptoms similar to depression, typically associated with the winter months.
Also, don't hesitate to reach out for support if needed, as taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in managing SAD.