由 home-healthhaven 
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months, often referred to as seasonal depression. People with SAD start to feel extremely tired, moody, and sometimes sad and unfulfilled as summer turns into fall. Typically, these symptoms last until the arrival of the longer, brighter days of spring, around April or May.
### Who Is At Risk?
Although seasonal affective disorder can affect anyone, it’s most common in areas with gloomy weather, especially the Pacific Northwest in the United States. Places with very short winter days see higher rates of SAD. It mostly affects people aged between 15 and 55, and women are more likely to develop it than men. If someone in your family has had SAD, your risk is also higher. Interestingly, the likelihood of developing SAD decreases as you get older, if you haven’t experienced it already.
### What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of SAD include:
1. Feeling sad, moody, anxious, or unmotivated.
2. Losing interest in activities you usually enjoy, like hanging out with friends or exercising.
3. Feeling overly tired and sleeping a lot, especially during the day.
4. Gaining weight.
### Can It Be Treated?
The symptoms of SAD can take a toll, making people feel exhausted and often leading to social withdrawal. However, there are treatments available. One effective treatment is phototherapy or light therapy, which uses light to simulate sunlight and help the body feel better. There are two types of light therapy:
1. **Bright light therapy**: Requires sitting in front of a bright light for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Dawn simulation**: Uses a light that gradually turns on to mimic the rising sun, helping you wake up more naturally.
Phototherapy is quite popular; in fact, some college campuses in the Pacific Northwest even have “light rooms” for this purpose. Typically, those undergoing phototherapy start feeling better after a week or two and need to continue treatment throughout the winter for it to remain effective.
For more severe cases, doctors might prescribe antidepressants or counseling to help manage the condition. It’s important to stick with the treatment plan as prescribed for the best results.
If you or someone you know struggles with the seasonal changes, remember you’re not alone. There are ways to help your body adjust to the new season and improve your quality of life.