With winter comes the possibility of Seasonal Affective Disorder

LA CROSSE, WI (WKBT) — As the season changes to winter, you might notice your mood changing with it.

If you’re feeling more tired or depressed than usual, it could be something called Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Experts say as we enter fall and winter, the light changes and that can have an impact on people’s moods.  That shortage of sunlight can slow your serotonin intake, a chemical in your brain involved in mood changes. 

That can result in sleeping more, eating more and withdrawing from your social groups. “Our bodies, for whatever reason, when the light goes down, some people – and there’s a significant portion of them when they studied them – will be tempted to withdraw somewhat, to eat more, to sleep more,” said Patricia McGure-Olijnyk of Mayo Clinic Health System.

There’s a couple of ways to remedy S.A.D. Experts recommend fish oil pills to increase your serotonin intake. Light therapy also works – just taking a walk outside during a sunny day can make a big difference.

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