Down with SAD?

Yes, there is a type of depression called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

People who suffer from SAD have symptoms similar to victims of other forms of depression: lethargy, sadness, hopelessness, anxiety and social withdrawal. What makes SAD different is that the symptoms occur during the seasons of Fall and Winter when the days are shorter.
Other symptoms include: daytime drowsiness, weight gain, and a craving for sweets.

Fortunately, the treatment for people who have a mild case of SAD is simple and inexpensive: 30 minutes of exercise out in the morning sun.

If you think you are suffering from a severe case of SAD or from other forms of depression, consult a mental health practitioner. Most US university health insurance companies as well as the UK’s National Health Service cover psychiatric treatment.

Symptoms of Depression
· Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
· Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
· Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
· Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
· Decreased energy, fatigue being “slowed down”
· Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
· Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
· Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
· Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
· Restlessness, irritability
· Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

For more information, check out the following articles on WebMd.com, DrKoop.com, and the US National Institute of Mental Health:
Sunshine for SAD Sufferers by Christine Cosgrove, WebMD Medical News
Seasonal Affective Disorder by Josepha Cheong, MD, Michael Herkov, PhD, Wayne Goodman, MD, drkoop.com
Depression, NIH Publication No. 00-3561, Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, Printed 2000