Tis’ the Season: Tips on Getting Ahead of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As the days get shorter and colder, some people experience more than just the typical winter blues. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often occurring during the fall and winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. According to the American Psychiatric Association, SAD is considered a form of major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, primarily impacting individuals in higher latitudes where winter days are shorter and sunlight is limited (American Psychiatric Association, 2017). Understanding SAD can help us recognize its symptoms and find ways to manage it effectively.