Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD); Know the facts As we enter the season of fall and winter is looming, many people find themselves struggling with the onset of symptoms of depression.
While the specific cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD as it is often referred to is greatly unknown, many mental health professionals point to some of the obvious reasons that some might feel more depressed in the fall and winter months.

• Decrease in number of days with sunshine with fewer hours in the day where the sun is out and visible
• Change in season can disrupt natural melatonin levels
• Decrease in sun exposure can lead to a decrease in Serotonin a brain chemical that affects mood

While these factors are often indicated as probable causes we also know statistically that women are at a higher risk as well as those who live the farthest from the equator to develop SAD.
There are symptoms commonly associated with SAD and they include

• Depressed mood
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
• Anxiety
• Decreased energy
• Social isolation
• Over-sleeping or an increased need for sleep
• Loss of interest in activities that normally you enjoy
• Change in appetite eating less or more,may experience an increase in cravings for carbohydrates
• Poor concentration

Persons with SAD will report that the symptoms are persistent and often interrupt their day- to- day level of functioning.
The good news is that it is very treatable.
Some suggested non medical interventions you might want to try include

• Keeping track of your daily symptoms and their severity
• Recognize your current life stressors
• Avoid alcohol as it is a central nervous system depressant and will compound depressivesymptoms
• Get outside during the day, especially within two hours of getting up in the morning
• Exercise! Daily exercise has repeatedly been proven to decrease mild to moderate depressive symptoms

If these tips and life style changes do not help know that there are other options available.
Many people struggling with seasonal depression benefit from supportive psychotherapy.
In therapy a counselor will help you develop coping skills to address your day- to- day symptoms.
Often a therapist will recommend use of light therapy or phototherapy where a person will sit in front of a light box to mimic the light of a sun while indoors.
For some persons especially for those where therapy or change in life style hasn't helped or if the person begins to experience thoughts of suicide, medication is often indicated and effective.
Thoughts of self harm are very serious symptoms and should be evaluated immediately and in an emergent manner.
Being prepared to address these symptoms if your history includes seasonal depression is half the battle.
It is good to start making life style changes now before the symptoms escalate and winter hones in with fewer hours of daylight.
Most importantly know that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is not uncommon and is very treatable.