Are You Feeling SAD?





Do you dread turning your clocks back and “losing” an hour of daylight? Do you get the “winter blahs?” Your fall- and winter-related depression may not be just in your head. It could mean that you have seasonal affective disorder (SAD).



About 6 percent of Americans suffer from winter SAD, while another 10 percent or 20 percent have mild SAD symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Pilot studies suggest that up to 5.5 percent of children between ages 9 and 19 may also suffer from SAD, the academy reports.


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According to the National Mental Health Association (NMHA), you may have SAD if:


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• You experience symptoms of depression (such as lethargy, sleep and appetite disturbances, and “low” mood) regularly during fall and winter. Children may be more irritable than usual.


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• Symptoms occur at least two years in a row.


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• The depression disappears during spring and summer.


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Scientists believe that SAD may be related to the decreased amount of light during the winter months. Our circadian rhythms (internal biological clocks) are disrupted by days growing shorter. With less sunlight, people with SAD may feel more depressed. In fact, the most difficult period for many sufferers is during January and February, when days are shortest.


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