"If you live in a northern region, where skies are normally gray from October to March, it’s not uncommon for a lack of sunshine to make you feel depressed. Research has proved that brain chemistry is affected by bright light, although the exact process is not clear. Less than 1% of the population in sunny Florida report symptoms of SAD, yet about 10% of Alaskans report severe winter depression. It is a real illness that affects as many as 6 out of 100 people in the U.S. Even 10 to 20% more people may experience a milder form of SAD. It’s more common in women and usually first appears in one’s 20s. People with SAD typically feel better when spring comes, and then experience symptoms again in the late fall.
In general, we tend to eat and sleep more in the winter and experience more ups and downs during the shorter days. Winter may bring about weight gain and a lack of energy for people in general, but symptoms are more serious for SAD sufferers. The list below gives a range of symptoms that are clues to whether you have SAD. Not everyone who suffers from it experiences the same symptoms.
- Cravings for sweets and starchy foods
- Weight gain
- Heavy feeling in the arms or legs
- Noticeable drop in energy
- Fatigue
- Tendency to oversleep
- Difficulty concentrating at work and at home
- Irritability
- Increased sensitivity to social rejection
- Avoidance of social situations
- Hopelessness (including suicidal thoughts)
- Constant agitation and anxiety
If you think you might have SAD, learn as much as you can about it. Stay aware of your symptoms so that you can take action to get better. Find a health professional who is qualified to treat SAD and discuss treatments that are most appropriate for your individual needs. "
