At some point in time, many of us have probably experienced the “winter blues.” You know what I mean, right? It’s after the holidays. All the joy and planning and anticipation of the season has come to a close, and perhaps your family gathering did not go quite as expected. When you add to it the cold and rainy weather that sometimes lasts for days (or weeks!), you may start to experience more than just “the blues.”

According to the American Psychiatric Association, 5% of U.S. adults experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. SAD is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months, especially January and February.

Below are some of the common symptoms of SAD, and remember these can vary from mild to severe and may be very similar to major depression.

• Feelings of sadness or depressed mood

• Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Changes in appetite; usually eating more, craving carbohydrates

• Change in sleep; usually sleeping too much

• Loss of energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours

• Increase in restless activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech

• Feeling worthless or guilty

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide

SAD may begin at any age, but it typically starts when a person is between ages 18 and 30. These symptoms can last for 40% of the year, but there are tangible ways to help treat this disorder.

First, it is important to rule out any organic causes of these symptoms, such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, infectious mononucleosis, and other viral infections. The great news is once your physician has conducted a proper evaluation and ruled out other causes, then you can begin to discuss therapy and treatment options to help provide management of SAD symptoms.

If you are experiencing some of the symptoms described above, Dr. Vanderloo would be glad to meet with you and help you start your journey to feeling well again. Please give Vanderloo Family Medicine a call at 1-601-228-5491 or click on the “Get in Touch” button on our webpage to schedule an appointment, ask a question, or start a conversation.

Please note: If you feel the depression is severe or if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, consult a doctor immediately, seek help at the closest emergency room, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-TALK (8255).

Source: American Psychiatric Association at Psychiatry.org, *In the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), this disorder is identified as a type of depression – Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern.