Other Religions New Age / Metaphysical Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment Fall-Back Can Make You Feel SAD Share Flipboard Email Print Gloomy Fall Afternoon. bradbutcher / Getty Images New Age / Metaphysical Holistic Healing Divination Chakra Balancing Reiki Crystal Therapy By Phylameana lila Desy Reiki Expert Phylameana lila Desy, the author of "The Everything Guide to Reiki," is a freelance writer, holistic healing consultant, intuitive counselor, and an energy medicine practitioner. our editorial process Phylameana lila Desy Updated May 09, 2019 Fall and winter are the SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) seasons. During these months of the year depressing thoughts can overwhelm us due to darker days. It is especially difficult to experience sadness or depression when we are expected to be and act jovial amidst holiday activities. Winter months are especially notorious for their gloomy gray skies, cold drizzling rainfall, and occasional dismal snowfall. Fall-Back Into SADness The SAD season births its symptomatic depressive moods upon us generally around the same time when we turn our clocks back from standard to daylight savings time. The fall-back one hour change results in shorter daylight hours. For those of us who depend on sunshine to brighten our moods, the shortened daylight makes us feel SAD, and are likely to continually feel even SADder as the season progresses. SAD hovers above our heads, its emotional clouds filled with feelings of depression, melancholy, and anxiety, as we do our best to muddle through each darkened day. A single day with overcast skies is a great excuse to crawl under a blanket and stick your nose into a good book or veg out on the couch and watch an old movie. But, day after day of light deprivation can be harmful, it can make a person feel cranky, lethargic, and despondent. SAD Symptoms Change in Sleep PatternsYou oversleep but don't wake up feeling refreshedCannot or reluctantly get out of bedRequire afternoon napsDepressionFeelings of despair, misery, guilt, anxiety, hopelessness, etc.Normal tasks become frustratingly difficultWithdrawal from friends and familyAvoiding companyCrankiness or irritabilityLack of feeling/emotionConstant state of sadnessLethargyDecreased energyEverything becomes an effortDecreased productivityPhysical AilmentsJoint painStomach problemsLowered resistance to infectionWeight gainPremenstrual syndrome (worsens or only occurs in winter)Behavioral ProblemsAppetite changes (usually increased appetite)Carbohydrate cravingLoss of interest in sexDifficulty concentratingNot being able to accomplish tasks Winter Depression Seasonal Affective Disorder, also called Winter Depression, affects approximately 10 million people in the United States alone. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from this disorder. People who live in colder climates have a higher incidence of SAD than those who live in warm, sunny locations. It has also been documented that suicide rates are higher in places of increased light deprivation. SAD Prevention and Remedies Low fat diet, without too much proteinDaily vitamin with magnesium, B complex, and mineralsElimination of caffeineStress managementElimination of refined sugars and floursWalking or aerobic exerciseSaint John's WortMustard Flower EssencesHerbal remediesSpending 30 minutes each day in the fresh air (in the sunlight if the weather permits, don't forget sunscreen!)Light therapy (light, whether it is natural or artificial, is essential in your life) Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Desy, Phylameana lila. "Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment." Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/seasonal-affective-disorder-p2-1724531. Desy, Phylameana lila. (2020, August 26). Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/seasonal-affective-disorder-p2-1724531 Desy, Phylameana lila. "Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms and Treatment." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/seasonal-affective-disorder-p2-1724531 (accessed January 28, 2021). copy citation