Ever find yourself feeling kind of sluggish and more irritable once the cooler weather and shorter, darker days of winter set in? Perhaps you suffer from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD (kind of an appropriate acronym, right?). SAD is a type of depression that’s related to the change in seasons.
SAD symptoms usually begin in the fall and continue throughout the long winter months. Symptoms include anxiety, problems sleeping and lethargy, feeling anti-social and overeating. According to MayoClinic.com, “It’s normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can’t get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed or if you feel hopeless, think about suicide, or turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation.”
While SAD can be a downer, there is hope. Here are 5 ways you can cope:
Regardless of how you choose to cope with SAD, it’s important to remember you are not alone – millions of people suffer from the effects of SAD each year. Also, don’t be afraid to seek help. If you’re having a hard time coping, contact your doctor.
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