OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Now that the temperature is quickly dropping outside and the daylight hours are a lot shorter, many of us may not be feeling our usual pep in our step and may be feeling more down.
This could be attributed to seasonal affective disorder, commonly referred to a ‘S.A.D.’
Health officials say S.A.D. predominantly occurs among women and in the winter months.
Those that suffer from S.A.D. typically experience depression, anxiety, hopelessness and an increase in appetite.
So how do you know if you’re just feeling blue or if you do have seasonal affective disorder?
“Well the difference between insignificance and significance in S.A.D. symptoms is if it continues to keep going on and on. If you're sad one or two days, that can be just part of normal but if you seem to be sad and have a lot of these symptoms day after day after day, then you may want to see a health care provider,” said Lynelle Diers, Wapello County Public Health director.
Diers said your health care provider may suggest medication or psychotherapy to help with S.A.D.
She also said it is important to exercise and eat a healthy diet especially during the winter months to keep you from feeling those winter blues.
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