​Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to changes in seasons. SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year and, if you're like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.

By: Kristen Sohlman, MACP, RP

​Did you know that gardening helps to support positive mental health?  Here is how!

Although the official first day of spring is tomorrow (March 20th), living in Northern Ontario we are well aware that whether we like it or not, winter typically does not stick to a schedule.

It is no secret that winter is cold, dark and snowy. It is often a chance for people to hibernate, stay in and wait for warmer weather. However, intentionally making an effort to engage in healthy leisure activities and practicing positive self-care can help you enjoy winter and can also help boost your mood during these dreary months.
​
​It is common that individuals notice a decrease in their mood and energy levels during the winter months and this is due to the lack of daylight, colder temperatures and other lifestyle changes like eating habits and decreased socialization. A decrease in mood and energy levels can have a big impact on our day to day lives, how we interact with others, and how we feel about ourselves.
 
The change in seasons can impact an individual’s mental health. In more serious cases, people can develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is characterized by symptoms similar to depression and commonly presents during fall and winter due to the limited amount of sun exposure and the colder temperatures.
​
Whether or not you experience changes to your mood based on the change of seasons, it is so important to take the necessary steps to maintain your well-being, especially during the darkest (and coldest) of months.  

Do you ever notice that you struggle with a low mood, that you are lacking energy, or are moodier in the fall and winter seasons?  Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs seasonally and is related to the changes in level of sunlight that you are exposed to during seasons of low daylight.  It is important to realize that SAD can occur at other times of the year, for example, for those who work nightshifts who may not have access to as much natural light as those that are awake during the day.  Some of the reasons that SAD may occur involves a lack of natural light that may actually affect your biological clock or circadian rhythm and may influence the release of chemicals in your body such as serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin, affecting your mood. 
​