As we approach the end of the year, the days grow shorter and colder, so we often find ourselves looking for the warmth and comfort of indoor spaces. Even if we do want to get outside and enjoy the sunlight, the cold makes it harder to stay outside for long. If you or your loved one struggle with this time of year, finding strategies to cope with feeling stuck inside becomes essential.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that presents itself during certain seasons of the year. Symptoms typically begin during the colder months, fall or winter, but there’s a type that arises during the warmer months, spring and summer. The condition is thought to result from reduced exposure to sunlight during shorter days, which can trigger a chemical change in our brains that may lead to depressive symptoms. Additionally, darker conditions from less sunlight prompt our bodies to produce more melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
