There are many types of depression and various causes and triggers. A change in season may not seem like a possible cause of this serious mental health disorder but it can cause a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Seasonal changes can also aggravate pre-existing depression and other mental health disorders. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that arises with seasonal changes, usually during winter. It is also commonly referred to as winter depression or the winter blues. SAD is usually not a long term mental health problem. It starts and ends around the same time every year but this tends to coincide with winter and overlaps with fall (autumn). The existence of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has been and still is questioned. However, it still believed to be a very common syndrome. In the United States, seasonal affective disorder is estimated to affect as many as 1 in 10 people in certain regions. Women appear to be four times as likely to suffer with seasonal affective disorder than men. Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder The exact cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is not fully understood. It appears … Continue reading Seasonal Affective Disorder (Winter Depression / Blues)