It’s dark when you get up, dark when you get home, and you spend most of your day indoors. No wonder almost 10 per cent of adults suffer these days from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

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UAB psychiatrist Andree Stoves, M.D., says the absence of sunlight can lead to or exacerbate seasonal depression, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Despite the disorder's acronym - SAD - these seasonal bouts of depression may go beyond simply feeling sad. Other symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder often include loss of energy, anxiety, irritability, headache, increased sleep, diminished interest in sex, cravings for high carbohydrate foods, weight gain from overeating and problems concentrating.

Short of spending the winter on a tropical beach, Stoves says to get more light in your life. Try to spend time outdoors during the day to prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Look into light therapy, which can affect the body’s internal clock – particularly helpful to those who do shift work as well as those with a seasonal pattern to their moods which leads to Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Light therapy involves spending specific amounts of time using a specially designed lamp each day. The light that is given off is comparable to outdoor light just after sunrise or just before sunset. Your doctor can help you select the proper light box and instruct you in how much time to use the light each day, from 15 minutes to up to two hours.

In addition to light therapy, treatment may include drugs, some kinds of psychological therapy, stress reduction and relaxation techniques.

Whether mild or severe, SAD is best handled with help from your doctor. 

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