It’s not unusual for people to feel a little down at some point, but some are consistently depressed when the summer ends and the nights draw in. Are these winter blues due to lower levels of activity, going out less and boredom or is it Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD?

Understanding the symptoms of SAD will help determine if the problem is caused by a bad day or something more serious. SAD is often characterised by feelings of sadness and hopelessness as well as losing interest in normal activities. The symptoms increase as the year progresses from sunny, longer days to those which are colder and shorter.

Symptoms include the following:

1. Sleepiness or fatigue – This is common among people suffering from SAD; in fact, they may desire to sleep ten or more hours per day during the winter. Unfortunately, most people experiencing SAD don’t feel rested no matter how much they sleep.
2. Concentration problems – Since SAD is a form of depression, those with this disorder often experience difficulty with concentration, memory, and the ability to speak. It is quite common for people with SAD to have problems remembering names, dates, and appointments.
3. Irritability and anger – Also common in those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder is having fits of anger. One recent study found 40% of the people with SAD had bouts of anger compared with only 29% of people without SAD.
4. Lack of interest in sex – People suffering from depression of any kind, especially SAD, can lose interest in healthy sexual relationships during the period when their other symptoms are prominent. During the spring and summer, their interest in sex returns.
5. Increased appetite – Many people with general depression will stop eating; however, some people with SAD often experience an increase in appetite. 65% of those who have SAD say they’re actually hungrier during the winter months. This increase in appetite may be due to lower levels of serotonin which controls appetite and mood.
6. Carbohydrate cravings – When SAD sufferers eat more during colder months, they tend to crave carbohydrates such as pasta and bread. Some research has indicated that increased consumption of carbs is due to the resulting increase of tryptophan which  increases serotonin levels and improves mood. Sufferers notice a gain in weight gain during winter months.
7. Withdrawal from normal activities – Depression sufferers often feel like being on their own, but this is particularly true for those with SAD.

The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder may vary in severity. If you think you might be suffering from SAD, consult a Doctor or visit the SAD Association’s website for more information.