FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) – As the days get shorter and the winter blues start to kick in, the rise of Seasonal Affective Disorder will become an issue for some people.
According to health officials at Essentia Health, the disorder, more commonly known as SAD, tends to increase during this time of year.
“It’s kind of a subcategory of major depression,” Dr. Jo Ellison said. “The idea being that people who experience depression can sometimes have it occur on a seasonal basis, so that it is really coming into effect as the winter comes on as well. There’s always other variables that explain why we’re feeling more down.”
It can be impacted by colder, cloudy weather, change in schedules, and eating habits.
According to the National Institutes of Health, these are some of the signs of SAD:
- Trouble sleeping
- Low energy
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Feeling agitated.
“We’re doing less outside,” Ellison said. “There’s less ability to even take your dog on a walk or things like that. Just less and less opportunity for movement. For being outside. Sometimes we get together with friends less.”
If you are feeling these symptoms which coincide with depression, reach out to your provider for more information.
