Seasonal Affective Disorder

It is coming to that time of the year again when the days get shorter and the night feels longer. You may notice that your mood, energy level, and motivation can drop dramatically around the start of fall. You are not alone. This is a very common condition that occurs due to a disruption of the circadian rhythm. This means that your body has a regular biological cycle it goes through every day at the same time to maximize your health. Symptoms of seasonal depression are: feeling depressed on most days during the season; sadness; reduced energy; loss of concentration and interest in activities; feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness; trouble sleeping or oversleeping, etc.

There are ways to treat seasonal depression, including the following: Keep your home well lit, sit closer to bright windows both at home and in the office, take a walk outside each day, exercise regularly, eat a well-balanced diet, practice mindfulness, stick to your treatment plan, practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, and practice music or art therapy.

It is important to reiterate that seasonal depression is common, and there is nothing to be ashamed of about being affected by it