{"id":36969,"date":"2023-11-01T08:31:18","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T12:31:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthymindsphilly.org\/?p=36969"},"modified":"2023-11-01T08:31:18","modified_gmt":"2023-11-01T12:31:18","slug":"its-not-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-coping-with-seasonal-affective-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthymindsphilly.org\/dev\/blog\/its-not-always-sunny-in-philadelphia-coping-with-seasonal-affective-disorder\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s Not Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder"},"content":{"rendered":"

Daylight saving time is coming fast. If you are like many, the thought of an extra hour of sleep seems glorious. Plus, the fall brings pretty colors, fun holidays, crisp air, and pumpkin spice lattes. For others, fall brings with it feelings of depression\u2014seasonal depression. <\/span><\/p>\n

This type of depression is called seasonal affective disorder or SAD – a type of depression that happens seasonally. Its symptoms usually last through fall and winter, about four to five months each year. For some individuals, SAD occurs in summer. However, this is not common.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SAD is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This imbalance happens when the days shorten and there is less daylight available. Being exposed to less daylight can throw off someone\u2019s biological clock. Because SAD is linked to lack of sunlight, it is more common in areas that are farther from the equator. It is also more common in people with a family history of mood disorders.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Symptoms of SAD are like symptoms of depression. People may feel sad, overly tired, and like they do not have energy. They might have changes in their appetite, weight, and sleep. They may feel agitated, restless, guilty or worthless. Concentrating might be difficult. They may isolate themselves from other people and no longer be interested in things they used to enjoy. They may also have thoughts of suicide or of dying.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are experiencing mild symptoms of SAD, there are things you can do to cope. They include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n