What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder ?

With colder weather and less sunlight, let's discuss what Seasonal Affective Disorder is and how it can affect us. 

According to CAMH, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that occurs during the same season each year. It usually happens in the fall or winter, but some people may experience season-linked symptoms in the summer.

Symptoms According to CAMH: 

The major symptom is a sad, despairing mood that:

• is present most days and lasts most of the day

• lasts for more than two weeks

• impairs the person’s performance at work, at school or in social relationships.

Other symptoms of depression include:

• changes in appetite and weight

• sleep problems

• loss of interest in work, hobbies, people or sex

• withdrawal from family members and friends

• feeling useless, hopeless, excessively guilty, pessimistic or having low self-esteem

• agitation or feeling slowed down

• irritability

• fatigue

• trouble concentrating, remembering and making decisions

• crying easily or feeling like crying but not being able to

• thoughts of suicide (which should always be taken seriously)

• a loss of touch with reality, hearing voices (hallucinations) or having strange ideas (delusions).

If you're feeling any of these symptoms, talk to a mental health professional to discuss an action plan that works for you. Visit www.domore.ag/crisis-contacts for local agriculture resources. 

Ways To Help Cope: 

• Create intentional self care that works well for you. 

• Try and get some sunlight from outside, or check out light therapy.

• Creating a routine, especially in the morning. 

• Make sure to make time for connecting with family and friend. 

• Get some time outside when possible. 

• Pay attention to what you are eating and ensure you are eating well and having a balanced meal. 

• Get some movement. 

• Make sure you are getting enough sleep.