BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Colder, darker days combined with post-holiday letdown can have an impact on a person’s mood.
Those who experience what some call the “winter blues” may suffer from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.
Seasonal affective disorder affects about 20% of people in the northern U.S., according to therapist and women’s empowerment coach Shonda Moralis, of Breinigsville.
She says symptoms of a mild case of SAD can be: feeling sleepy, craving carbs, and wanting to hibernate.
There are special lights designed to help combat these feelings, but Morales also suggests engaging what she calls “mood-boosting activities.”
“It's really important that we get outside and get some natural sunlight, ideally in the middle of the day – going for a walk, engaging and connecting with people and making sure you're kind of pushing yourself to do this,” she explains.
Moralis says medication is available for severe cases of SAD, but in order to be diagnosed the feelings must be observed for four to five months out of the year for two consecutive years.
