[KARE 11, February 4, 2020] For many in Minnesota, winter can be tough because we don’t get a lot of sunlight and the cold keeps people indoors more than other seasons. While some people may just feel down temporarily, others suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. Experts say as many as 20% of adults report feeling SAD symptoms, which are very similar to the symptoms of depression and are related to the seasons and the amount of daylight.
SAD is more than just “winter blues”. “When people experience seasonal depression or SAD, they experience feelings of sadness, loss of interests, changes in appetite ( usually eat more), increased amount of sleep, yet still feeling tired,” said Dr. Mary Beth Lardizabal, a psychiatrist with Allina Health. The symptoms of SAD generally improve on their own with the arrival of spring. However, people can get some relief more quickly with treatment.