Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, occurs when some people experience a serious mood change when the seasons change. Signs and symptoms include sleeping too much, having little energy, craving sweets and starchy foods, weight gain, and possible depression. The severity of the symptoms varies between people, but they usually can be treated. SAD usually occurs during the winter time, while a less common form occurs in the summer. Currently, it is thought that a lack of sunlight during the winter may be the cause of SAD. Exposure to a special light for 30 minutes/day can help mood, along with prescribed medication, dietary changes, learning to manage stress, and going to a sunny climate during cold months.
If you notice periods of depression or changes in mood that happen as seasons change, you may want to speak to your family physician about your mood and the possibility of SAD.
Information Sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seasonalaffectivedisorder.html
http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Seasonal_Affective_Disorder_%28SAD%29.htm
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