Where does Seasonal Affective Disorder come from and what are the symptoms?
It is noticed that animals react to the changing seasons in mood and behavior, and human beings are no exception. Most people have a tendency to eat and sleep a little more in the winter and dislike the dark mornings and short days. For some, it seems to have a more intense effect in disrupting their lives and causing significant distress. The actual symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include: • A change in appetite, especially a craving for sweet or starchy foods • Weight gain • A heavy feeling in the arms or legs • A drop in energy level • Fatigue • A tendency to oversleep • Difficulty concentrating • Irritability • Increased sensitivity to social rejection • Avoidance of social situations The symptoms tend to start around September of each year lasting until April, and seem to be at their worst in the darkest months. The problem seems to stem from a lack of bright light in the winter. Researchers have proven that bright light makes a difference to the brain chemistry, although
