Seasonal Affective Disorder Cuts Deep by Amanda Ridder - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

JULY
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Seasonal Affective Disorder Cuts Deep

By Amanda Ridder, Staff Writer
October 30, 2015 at 11:41am. Views: 183

Winter time is encroaching upon us as we adjust to the time change and fall back an hour. This affects more people, psychologically and emotionally than we think, especially for those already suffering from depression and mood disorders. Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) brings this to our attention with detailed information about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), “a mood disorder characterized by depression related to a certain season of the year – especially winter.” SAD more often affects adults, and more so women than men. "According to the National Mental Health Disorders Association, approximately 10 to 20 percent of the population suffers from mild winter SAD, and nearly five percent suffer from a more severe form of the disorder." Although decreases in sunlight is still under clinical investigation for the cause of SAD, it is still considered to be the reason why many people find it difficult to adjust to the winter season. SAD falls under the category of what many call “winter depression,” in which a person undergoes severe symptoms of depression until summer arrives. SAD, or winter depression, involves uncomfortable and painful symptoms, such as daytime drowsiness, low energy and concentration, increased appetite and weight gain. LLUH informs the public to “always see your health care provider for a diagnosis,” before deciding SAD is what you might have. For treatment, healthcare providers need to determine the factors of the disorder and medical history before moving forward. Treatments often include light therapy (exposure to artificial light), antidepressant medication and cognitive behavioural or interpersonal therapy. Another recommended remedy to ease symptoms of SAD and winter depression is increasing physical activity and spending quality time with loved ones.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 372

Volunteers prepare comfort items for cancer patients as part of a community outreach effort supporting individuals and families throughout their treatment journey.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT for City News Group.

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 335

Workers prepare customer orders inside a modern Inland Empire distribution center, one of several industries expanding seasonal hiring throughout the region this summer.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI generated image

By William Cortez, Community Writer

May 6, 2026 at 01:50pm. Views: 414

Researchers examine food samples and data as part of a community nutrition and public health study.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Paige Sullivan, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 388

A family meets an adoptable dog with the assistance of an Animal Services employee, highlighting the important role local shelters play in finding loving homes for pets while promoting responsible pet ownership.

Photo Courtesy of: sbcityecondev

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 367

A dispatch workstation inside the new Valley Communications Center showcases the advanced technology used by emergency communications professionals to coordinate police, fire, and emergency medical responses across the San Bernardino region.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Ellison, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 452

Shoppers browse fresh produce, locally made goods, and artisan products during the weekly Court Street Farmers Market, supporting local farmers, small businesses, and the continued revitalization of downtown San Bernardino.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Evan Hollis, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 333

Children cool off at a city splash pad while families enjoy shaded recreation areas during a hot summer day, highlighting San Bernardino's efforts to provide safe places for residents to beat the heat.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Monroe, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 445

Participants in the Redlands Emergency Services Academy receive hands-on instruction from firefighters as they explore careers in public safety.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Brooke Langley, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 392

Volunteers assist residents in repairing household items during a community Repair Café, helping extend the life of everyday belongings instead of sending them to landfills.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Vanessa Hart, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 370

Shoppers browse fresh produce and locally made goods during the Downtown Morning Market, supporting regional farmers and small businesses.

Photo Courtesy of: University of Redlands

By University of Redlands, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 370

The University of Redlands entrance welcomes students, faculty, and visitors as the institution begins a new chapter following its historic merger with Woodbury University.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Paige Sullivan, Community Writer

July 15, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 395

Summer fun begins with safety first. Families who practice swimming skills together help children gain confidence while creating lasting memories in and around the water.

--> -->