When colder weather settles in and the sun shines for fewer hours each day, some people may find themselves experiencing a bout of melancholy.

That feeling of sadness associated with the winter months is often referred to as the Winter Blues. But could seasonal sadness be something more?

“The winter blues are very common, with many experiencing a mood shift during the colder, darker days of winter.” said Rae Ann Tucker, director of health promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Department.

Those affected may find themselves feeling more lethargic and down overall.

“Although you may feel more unhappy than usual, the winter blues typically do not affect your ability to enjoy life,” she said.

But if the winter blues are permeating all aspects of your life, from work to personal relationships, you may be experiencing a type of mood disorder known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD occurs due to a disturbance in the circadian system in the body and the disorder affects more than 3 million people a year.

SAD is a subtype of major depression that is characterized by the onset of depression during winter months when there is less natural light. For many people, symptoms usually start in the fall and continue into the winter months.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder may include:

● Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
● Feeling hopeless or worthless
● Having low energy
● Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
● Problems sleeping
● Changes in your appetite or weight
● Feeling sluggish or agitated
● Having difficulty concentrating
● Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide

Treatment for SAD may include light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy and medication. Your prescribed treatment plan for SAD may also include:

● Making your environment sunnier and brighter
● Spending more time outside
● Exercising regularly

In addition to SAD, some people with major depression, unrelated to the season, may experience an increase in symptoms during the late fall and winter; it is important that they discuss this with a behavioral/mental health professional. The most important take-home message is that SAD, just like other types of depression, is treatable and people should not suffer in silence; they should seek help.

Mental Health Services are available at the Henry Stark County Health Department’s First Choice Health Care. They are accepting appointments at their Kewanee location. Their behavioral health staff are prepared to support patients ages 5 and over for such issues as depression, anxiety, stress, substance use and addictions, behavior problems, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, family/parenting issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and other related disorders, sexual assault, suicide prevention, trauma, and loss. Services for counseling and therapy begin at age 5; and begin at age 6 for medication management.

Tucker said that help for SAD, as well as other mental health services, is just a phone call away at 309-852-5272.