What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The "winter blues", or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression related to the change of seasons and typically begins and ends around the same time each year. As the sunnier, summer months end, and with the autumn and winter months ahead of us, we may begin noticing small changes in our mood, thoughts, and behaviours.

Some of these changes are associated with the following symptoms of SAD:

• Fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

• Little to no interest in activities or hobbies

• Withdrawal from friends and family (feeling like "hibernating")

• Changes in appetite

• Feeling useless, hopeless, pessimistic, or having low self-esteem

These symptoms may start off mild but can become more severe as the season progresses. For this reason, establishing a self-care plan is an important part of managing the symptoms that can occur with SAD.

Other strategies for managing SAD can look like:

• Tracking your mood and feelings

• Journaling

• Getting outside to take advantage of available sunlight

• Regular exercise

• Cooking a well-balanced meal

• Medication

• Talk-therapy

If you've noticed you're experiencing symptoms of SAD, or haven't been feeling like yourself lately, feel free to book a session with me, Danielle, using the link below.

https://rmha.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/22