It is normal to feel a little blue this time of year, especially now that the holidays have come to an end. Gloomy, gray days and bare trees can have us wishing for spring.

However, there’s a major difference between the blues and actual depression—and it’s a key distinction. If you’re experiencing more sad days than not, seasonal affective disorder may be to blame.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill wants to take a few minutes to talk about what seasonal affective disorder is and its symptoms.

Will I Experience Seasonal Affective Disorder?

We can’t tell you that definitively. But seasonal affective disorder, often referenced as SAD, affects 10 million or more people in the United States each year.

SAD is a form of depression that’s most common during the late fall and early winter. It’s thought to be associated with the season change, and in particular, with the fewer hours of daylight common during this time of year.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms

• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Sleep issues
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Appetite changes
• Fatigue

How Does Vitamin D Help With Seasonal Affective Disorder?

That’s a bit tricky to answer, because researchers aren’t quite sure. It’s thought that vitamin D deficiency places a person at a higher risk of developing SAD.

But ongoing research has not determined that getting more vitamin D decreases your risk—or that it can help you overcome SAD if you are diagnosed. However, there are still plenty of reasons to get more vitamin D, since it helps your body absorb essential nutrients like calcium and helps promote good overall health.

Ways to Get Vitamin D

• Spend time in sunlight.
• Consume fatty fish and seafood.
• Eat more mushrooms.
• Include egg yolks in your diet.
• Eat fortified foods.
• Take a supplement, if directed by a doctor.
• Try a UV lamp.

Just not feeling like yourself these days? Visit AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill today for a medical evaluation and treatment plan! No appointment is needed.