According to Mental Health Ministries, many people suffer with a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) that occurs during the fall and winter when the days get shorter. Symptoms can include:

Sleep Problems – Desire to oversleep, disturbed

sleep or difficult staying awake

Lethargy – A feeling of fatigue and inability to

carry out normal routines

Overeating – Craving sugary or starchy foods

Social Problems – Irritability and desire to avoid

social situations

Anxiety – Tension and inability to tolerate stress

Loss of Libido – Decreased interest in sex or

physical contact

Mood Changes – Extremes in mood and/or short

periods of hypomania

One of the most effective treatments for SAD is light exposure that can range from just spending time outside to a light treatment called phototherapy. If you feel that you may have SAD, you should discuss your symptoms with a mental health professional.

References:

Mental Health Ministries. 2021. Bulletin inserts: What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how faith communities can respond. http://www.mentalhealthministries.net/resources/bulletin_inserts.html