Do I Have Seasonal Depression?

We quiz Deanne Simms, clinical health psychologist

- Courtney Shea

January always inspires talk about seasonal affective disorder. But what exactly is SAD?

It’s a kind of depression that is brought about by the changing of the seasons, most commonly the switch from long summer days to shorter, darker ones. About 15 per cent of Canadians will experience mild SAD in their lifetime, while two to three per cent will deal with more serious cases. Symptoms include feeling sluggish or low most of the day, and a reduced interest in activities they once enjoyed. Other signs are changes to appetite—often eating more and craving carbohydrates—and oversleeping.

Sluggishness and sleeping a lot probably describes many Canadians at this time of year.