Do you suffer from inescapable loss of interest, loss of energy, sleep disruption, feelings of worthlessness and sudden weight gain or loss, usually onset during the winter months? Then you may suffer with seasonal affective disorder.
Better known as SAD, this disorder is characterized by depression that occurs at the same time every year, often beginning during the fall and continuing on into the winter months. The following tips can help you manage the change in seasons more successfully.
1. Know the signs and symptoms.
Don’t brush off that yearly feeling as a case of the “winter blues.” It could be depression. Know the signs and symptoms of both.
Those facing major depression may experience:
- Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
- Having low energy
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed
- Sleep deprivation
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide