There are ways you can try to alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, but if it continues or gets worse, you need to make an appointment with your doctor.

The executive director of the Saskatoon branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association says the winter months with less daylight, and the colder temperatures can bring on S.A.D., but the disorder can also happen in other seasons. If it happens regularly in a particular season and doesn’t happen regularly at other times of the year, that’s S.A.D.

Faith Bodnar lists some of the symptoms as being lethargic and tired, possibly wanting to sleep a lot, lacking motivation to do anything, and not deriving any joy from living.

She suggests trying an ultraviolet light to provide some relief. Bodnar also advises to exercise, eat healthy, and maintain good sleeping habits, but if it doesn’t get better, talk to your doctor.

She says, “It’s really important we normalize this as part of our lives. Mental wellness and mental health is part of everyone’s lives and there is nothing wrong with talking to your doctor.”

(CJWW)