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Mental Wellness
Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder
If winter leaves you feeling drained, moody, and unmotivated, you may have SAD. Learn the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for seasonal depression.
What Is SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, typically fall and winter. It affects up to 5% of adults and is four times more common in women.
Symptoms
- Persistent low mood and irritability
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue and low energy despite adequate sleep
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite (especially carbohydrate cravings)
- Oversleeping
- Social withdrawal
Causes
Reduced sunlight disrupts your circadian rhythm and lowers serotonin levels. It also increases melatonin production, causing excessive sleepiness.
Treatments That Work
Light Therapy: 30 minutes daily with a 10,000-lux light box. Vitamin D Supplementation: Most people with SAD are deficient. Exercise: Especially outdoors during daylight hours. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Highly effective for SAD.
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