Not in the Ho Ho Holiday Spirit? It Could Be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Feeling down lately despite holiday parties, gift exchanges, and seeing family and friends? Just because it’s the holiday season does not mean that all of the challenges of the year simply vanish. 2022 has been a year that has been better than 2021, but certainly no party. Between the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, high unemployment rates, continued overt racism in this country, incredibly divisive political climate, and now Daylight saving time, there are a plethora of reasons you may be feeling down. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may be one of them.

What is it?
SAD is a type of depression characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4 to 5 months per year. Therefore, the signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with major depression.