Don’t Bring the “Sad” Indoors with You

When Seasonal Affective Disorder Strikes, You Can Fight Back

FARGO — It’s sad weather out there.

And it’s bringing the “SAD” inside with you.

That’s the acronym for “Seasonal Affective Disorder. ”

And doctors say if you’re sensitive to seasonal changes that can bring your mood down, there are things you can do that can help.

Essentia Health clinical psychologist Dr. Alexandra Kohlhase says the shorter days and colder temperatures make it hard for us to get enough of the sunlight our brains need to function well.

That can make for significant changes to our thinking, our mood, and even our behavior.

She suggests adding a “Happy Light” to your daily routine can mimic the effects of sunlight exposure, minus the UV rays.

She also says Vitamin D supplements can help, since studies show most of the people in our region are Vitamin-D deficient.

Kohlhase joined the Morning Show to talk about spotting the signs of SAD and taking action to keep it at bay throughout the winter  months.

For more information:

https://www.essentiahealth.org/about/essentia-health-newsroom/seasonal-affective-disorder-a-qa-with-dr-alexandra-kohlhase