by Angie Warner, WHNP
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be the reason why you are feeling down, tired and have a lack of interest in doing things this time of year. Now that the excitement and the joy of the holidays are over and the weather is EXTREMELY cold and gloomy there may be more to those post-holiday blues than you think.
People who experience SAD will typically start noticing some symptoms in the late fall through the early spring. A lack of sunshine tends to be one of the biggest contributing factors. Therefore as the days get longer and the sun starts to shine more, SAD symptoms seem to diminish. The good news is that today is the winter solstice, which means from this day forward our days are going to start getting longer and we are getting closer to the feeling of renewal and refreshing spring time.
There are treatments available other than just waiting until March/April. Phototherapy, exercise, taking Vitamin B12 and Omega 3 is helpful as well as medications for depression that help to regulate your serotonin levels. If you feel that your symptoms are interfering with your daily activities, relationships and overall general and mental health please contact our office to discuss ways to help you through this season.
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