Ever notice how people in the office get a little cranky around this time of year? Well, crankiness might be explained by true cabin fever and the need for some brain food to replenish the lack of vitamin D that's hidden behind all those winter snow clouds. However, if you're noticing any of the following symptoms, you might want to send them to the Florida Keys for a week or two for some sun ASAP. It could be more than cabin fever—it could be SAD.
(Light therapy is the main action used in treating the symptoms of SAD, however medicines and counseling may also be used in some severe cases.)
Symptoms of winter-onset seasonal affective disorder include:
- Depression
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety
- Loss of energy
- Social withdrawal
- Oversleeping
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates
- Weight gain
- Difficulty concentrating and processing information
For more symptoms and information click here.
