Feeling “SAD?” It Could Be Seasonal Affective Disorder

(Undated) – With shorter days and longer nights and the grey cloudy conditions associated with this time of year, it is no surprise that many of us feel a little “blah.” But that feeling may be “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” According to the Mayo Clinic, “Seasonal Affective Disorder” or “SAD” is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons and begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. They say it’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your health care provider. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide. Learn more at mayoclinic.org.