Program Director Marian Goldstone for the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba talks about Seasonal Affective Disorder and the resources that are available to those who are affected by it.

 She explains how SAD compares to other types of depression noting it’s often attributed to lack of sunshine or even any kind of change in the day, the amount of sunshine that disrupts are circadian rhythm or our sleep cycle.  She says it’s most common for us to notice it in the winter but some people actually even experience it in the summer time as well.  She adds it’s not uncommon for it to last up to four or five months without much break and it will kind of fix itself on its own noting the way the diagnose it is if this lasts for at least up to a couple of weeks to a month and it recurs at least two years in a row.

Goldstone encourages people who may be experiencing SAD to seek out a clinician in helping to address it.

She also cites some other ways people can lower the impacts of SAD, which includes regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, taking vitamin D supplements, and using a lamp specifically used to treat seasonal affective disorder.