Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

The symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder are similar to those of depression experienced during autumn and winter, with a noticeable improvement towards spring. Symptoms are mild at the beginning, but gradually worsen throughout winter as the sunlight diminishes and the days become shorter. The symptoms and severity of SAD will differ from person to person.   

If you have SAD you might experience the following symptoms: 

• your mood or energy levels drop  
• you might feel more tired and need to sleep more  
• your eating patterns might change and you may want to increase the amount of carbohydrates you intake 
• you may be less active than usual 
• you may be less motivated than normal 
• you may be irritable or have difficulty concentrating  
• you may feel anxious, worried, hopeless or sad