Wellness Tips: SAD?
Learn more about the illness Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Does the weather affect our wellbeing? You bet it does! In fact there is even a disorder for it. Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a type of winter depression. It is estimated that half a million people are affected by this disorder between the months of September and April. SAD is attributed to a chemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shorter days and lack of sunlight.
SAD is difficult to diagnose because symptoms must recur more than one winter season. Some symptoms of SAD include sleep problems, extreme fatigue, decreased libido, depression, anxiety, weight gain, extreme moods, and avoiding social contact. When spring comes symptoms usually dissipate depending on the intensity of the sunlight. Some treatment options include light therapy, antidepressants, and counseling.
by Kristy Haugen
- Read more wellness tips from this website-The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association
Learn more about the disorder SAD.
