With the days getting shorter, and sunlight becoming more precious, millions of Americans will experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is actual depression that afflicts sufferers again and again during the fall and winter months (although others experience recurrent depression during the warmer seasons, instead). Symptoms typically include a decrease in mood, anxiety, low energy, trouble concentrating, an increased need for sleep, appetite changes (usually increased, including craving carbohydrates), decreased sexual feelings, hopelessness and a lack of interest in activities that the person used to enjoy. Like other forms of major depression, SAD can also trigger thoughts of suicide.
