(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a common problem for many during the fall and winter months.
There is a good reason for that. Shorter days and less sunlight cause the body to lose serotonin and gain melatonin, said Robert Allanson, clinical therapist with Linden Oaks Medical Group in Addison.
“Our body produces the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is the mood balancer. And when the circadian rhythms are off, because it's darker out, the serotonin production kind of gets all wonky,” he said Tuesday.
SAD can present itself as sadness, tearfulness, irritability or even a loss of interest in things that somebody used to enjoy.
"Some people could experience it more like the winter blues, kind of subclinical," said Allanson. "But it could also range to the more severe level, where it's having a profound impact on life, with the potential for suicidal ideation as well."
Allanson said the condition is easily treatable through short-term medication, counseling or improved diet and exercise.
“For other individuals, light therapy is a newer thing that's kind of taking on more popularity,” he said.
He added those experiencing seasonal depression should seek help regardless of the severity.
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