During the winter, many of us complain about having “cabin fever”, and we tend to overeat and need more sleep as well. The “winter blues” are often attributed to these milder feelings and changes in habits. However, for some people, they’ll go into an actual state of deep depression, which is diagnosed as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

The symptoms of SAD usually start to show during the middle to late fall, as the days are starting to get shorter. These symptoms will remain until the spring. These symptoms could easily be confused with clinical depression, as they are pretty much the same, except that the symptoms of SAD don’t last the whole year.

Here are some of the symptoms to look for:

• Increased Fatigue and Sleep Pattern Disturbances – When suffering from depression, there’s a tendency to experience extreme fatigue, and very low levels of energy. Those with SAD will therefore sleep more, due to these factors as well as sensitivity to seasonal changes, and the decreased amount of sunlight. Waking up in the mornings becomes very difficult, and feeling sleepy through the day is common.
• Increase In Appetite – This increased appetite during the winter for those who are suffering from SAD will most likely lead to weight gain, which is also a common symptom of depression and SAD. The increased appetite includes an intense craving for carbohydrates.
• Difficulty Concentrating – This symptom is usually one of the most obvious, especially to those around the SAD sufferer. It becomes harder to concentrate when at work, taking part in activities that are normally fun, or even just in conversation with others. That’s why even though they themselves may not see it, people around them are able to notice it more easily.
• Mood Swings – A general feeling of sadness or irritability are common symptoms of depression and SAD. Again, these symptoms are usually more noticeable to those around them.
• Decreased Interest in Activities – When a person starts to lose interest in something that was once very important to them, it’s an indicator of depression. Hobbies, work, social activities, even sex, can be affected. People who are depressed are usually quite sensitive to social rejection, and this can cause them to avoid being out in public.
• Relationship Difficulties – This isn’t only limited to romantic relationships, it includes relationships with family, friends, co-workers and others as well. These relationship problems are very often the direct result of the many other symptoms they are experiencing.
• Increased PMS Symptoms – Those women who always suffer from PMS, will have an increase in severity of symptoms when suffering from SAD. While the symptoms of both conditions are actually very similar, when they are experienced at the same time, it can be devastating.

While all of these symptoms are common with SAD, your doctor is the only one who can tell you for sure. But, if you suffer from any of these symptoms during the winter, only to notice an improvement in the spring and summer months, chances are you’re suffering from SAD. There are treatments available, including light therapy, changes in eating habits and herbal medications which can help with most of the symptoms of SAD, without the need for prescription medication.
Don’t spend the winter months suffering. If you feel that you, or someone you love, is suffering from SAD, get the help you need.

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Eat better, move more, and believe in yourself!

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