I was recently interviewed for an article about myths vs. facts of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Most people who suffer from SAD experience symptoms in the winter months, and it being the dead of winter (at least here in Colorado), this can be a really tough time of year.
But how do you know if you have SAD, or if winter is just long, annoying and unpleasant?
Here are some of the symptoms of SAD:
- Extremely low energy most days
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low mood
- Having trouble sleeping/feeling sleepy a lot of the time
- Feeling sluggish
- Trouble enjoying previously enjoyable things
These symptoms come at a certain time of year with some predictability and regularity. Most people with SAD experience these symptoms in the winter months when there is less sunlight. But SAD also exists in the summer months when sunlight is plentiful.
SAD is NOT simply a dislike for winter, or a desire to drink hot chocolate and watch Friends reruns. It is a syndrome that has significant impacts on the the sufferer’s quality of life.
Check back in for SAD myths busted.