If you find yoursef feeling SAD as the days grow shorter, you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (aka Winter Depression). This medical condition is caused by insufficient exposure to sunlight resulting in low levels of melatonin and serotonin, abnormalities of cortisol, carbohydrate craving, weight gain, and sleep disturbance.

SAD usually begins at the end of October when we set our clocks back an hour (Daylight Savings Time). This change in time makes the shorter daylight hours even more apparent which causes us to feel SAD. We are then likely to continually feel SADder as the season progresses. Some of the many symptoms of SAD include: (1.) Change in sleep patterns. (2.) Oversleeping but not awaking feeling refreshed. (3.) Inability to get out of bed. (4.) The need for afternoon naps. (5.) Depression which includes feelings of despair, misery, guilt, anxiety, hopelessness, etc. (6.) Normal tasks become frustratingly difficult. (7.) Withdrawal from friends and family. (8.) Avoiding company. (9.) Crankiness or irritability. (10.) Lack of feeling/emotion. (11.) A constant state of sadness. (11.) Lethargy or decreased energy, making everything an effort and thus resulting in decreased productivity. (12.) Physical ailments, including: joint pain, stomach problems, lowered resistance to infection, weight gain, premenstrual syndrome (worsens or only occurs in winter) (13.) Behavioral problems (14.) Changes in appetite, including: increased appetite and carbohydrate craving (15.) A loss of interest in sex (16.) Difficulty concentrating resulting in unaccomplished tasks

If you feel that you have SAD, you should know that you're not alone! SAD affects approximately 10 million people in the United States alone. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from this disorder. People who live in colder climates also have a higher incidence of SAD. So, should you happen to believe that you're suffering from SAD, you should first check with your doctor, but do know that there are some treatments available. These include: (1.) Eating a low fat diet, without too much protein. (2.) Taking a daily vitamin that contains magnesium, B complex, and minerals. (3.) Eliminating caffeine. (4.) Reducing stress. (5.) Eliminating refined sugars and flours. (6.) Taking part in aerobic exercise (ie walking). (7.) Taking Saint John's Wort. (8.) Spending 30 minutes per day in the sun and fresh air.