Are You Feeling S.A.D?

Most of us are not thrilled about shorter colder days but for the millions of people who have Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, it can be a very difficult time. It is a form of depression that begins in late fall and fades as the weather improves.

People with SAD or winter blues feel moody, irritable, anxious, and  lethargic They can have a difficult time concentrating and find it hard to get out of bed in the morning.

Experts aren't sure what causes it, but they think it may be from a lack of sunlight which may upset our "biological clock”, which could cause problems with serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. In a given year, about 50 percent of the U.S. population experiences SAD. There is help for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Spend more time outside on sunny days,  or begin light therapy by sitting beneath a light box that produces a bright light. Get some vigorous exercise most days of the week and try meditation or other stress management techniques. We have already passed the official start of winter which means it  will begin to get lighter about a minute each day,  So the good news is that spring is on its way.