Are you SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression related to changing seasons. SAD affects around 5% of adults in the U.S. However, studies indicate that as many as 20% to 40% of people living at approximately the same latitude as Michigan experience some degree of SAD in the winter.
What are the symptoms of SAD?¹ Signs and symptoms may include:
- Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Having low energy and feeling sluggish
- Having problems with sleeping too much
- Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
- Having thoughts of not wanting to live
Fall and winter SAD Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include:
- Oversleeping
- Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Tiredness or low energy
Here are several links to learn more about SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder Support
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