How to cope with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

by Izzy Brown, MA, R-DMT, LPC

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that affects people during specific seasons, typically the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Symptoms range from feelings of sadness and hopelessness to fatigue, changes in appetite, sleeping patterns and difficulty concentrating. While the exact causes of SAD are not fully understood, it is believed that the lack of sunlight during the winter months plays a significant role in its development. If you are struggling with SAD, it is important to know that you are not alone, and there things you can do to cope and manage your symptoms of SAD and improve your overall well-being. Below are a few tips to manage your symptoms of SAD.

1. Get enough sunlight!