Are you feeling an overwhelming urge to gorge yourself on waffles (or the pastry of your choice) and hibernate for the rest of the winter? And/or is “blah” the best way to describe what you have been feeling? You are not alone, per the American Psychiatric Association (APA); up to 10-20 percent of Americans may experience the same phenomenon throughout the winter months. In fact, the symptoms many people describe as the “winter blues,” “cabin fever” or “the post holiday doldrums” are real and may be signs of a mood disturbance called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

According to the National Mental Health Association (NMHA), SAD is a sort of winter depression that is linked to seasonal variations of light (i.e. shorter, darker, gloomier days). Just as sunlight affects the seasonal activities of animals, the changes in sunlight exposure during the winter months may have a profound impact on the human “biological clock.” Though it is not entirely clear just how this happens, January and February appear to be the most difficult months for those afflicted.

Not surprisingly, a number of negative traits many people associate with normal winter behavior may actually be indicators of SAD. The American Psychiatric Association, lists the following symptoms: excessive sleeping, difficulty staying awake, weight gain, extreme fatigue, inability to maintain normal schedule, feelings of sadness combined with irritability, lack of interest in social interactions and activities, remission of symptoms in spring and summer months. In addition, the National Mental Health Association includes, a craving for sugary and/or starchy foods. Apparently women and young persons are particularly susceptible to the symptomology. So you see, the holiday weight gain that has been making you feel so bad may be about more than Christmas cookies and big family dinners.

However, there may be hope for us yet. Experts seem to agree that mild cases of SAD can be helped with increased exposure to the sun, such as taking a long walk outside during the day or rearranging homes and offices to allow more sunlight to enter. However, more severe cases may require light therapy or phototherapy, which consists of daily exposure to specially designed bright lights. When light therapy fails many people have found success with antidepressant use, but may also have to deal with the negative side effects associated with this medication. In addition, psychotherapy has also proven an excellent method of treatment.

So the next time you are at the gas station and find your irritation level rising with the price of gasoline…when you just can not seem to put that second Krispy Krème Donut down…when you find yourself sleeping through the snooze button (more than usual)… when you just can’t seem to smile at that annoying family member/coworker…or most importantly when you just can not make yourself concentrate at work…just remind yourself, it could be SAD and give yourself permission to go outside and play. Hey, your boss may even understand if you let him/her know it will ultimately make you a more productive member of the team. After all, it is very difficult to get anything done when you are grouchy, upset about weight gain, tired, irritated and unable to concentrate; at least this is what the current research is saying.

For more information about Seasonal Affective Disorder and links to treatment options visit: American Psychiatric Association at www.psych.org; the National Institute of Mental Health at www.nimh.nih.gov; the National Mental Health Association at www.nmha.org; and/or the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association at www.sada.org.uk/.