If you typically feel the winter blahs or the February blues, then you might be experiencing SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. SAD is a type of depression that affects people in the winter months because of the darkness from shorter days and grayer skies. It is more common in women than men and in the north than the south. Combine that with the high levels of stress, anxiety and now, even depression brought on by COVID-19, and those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder may experience more severe symptoms than normal. Continue reading “Are You SAD? 6 Tips to Deal With Seasonal Affective Disorder”
Are You SAD? 6 Tips to Deal With Seasonal Affective Disorder
February 8th, 2021 by Paula Gallagher
Do you know which vitamins and minerals can help support your mental health? Evidence increasingly shows that nutrition plays a huge role, and that nutritional deficiencies can have a substantial negative impact on both your body and your mental health. A good diet is important, as well as supplementation of key nutrients, as needed. 
When you hear the acronym SAD, you would rightly assume that it is referring to the Standard American Diet. But there is another SAD which is also important to talk about – Seasonal Affective Disorder. What is this particular SAD? Think “winter blues.” Many people notice a change in the way they feel at the start of the colder season – lethargy, weight gain, loss of libido, difficulty concentrating, and even low grade depression. Some may have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning, sleep longer, crave carbohydrates and feel less joy in everyday activities. 
The darker days of winter can take a toll emotionally and mentally on many people. For some, feeling down and the longing for warm sunshine is constant and can be accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, weight gain and irritability. This feeling is referred to appropriately as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a type of depression that is common during winter months.
