Smiling middle aged man sitting in front of a light...

Smiling middle aged man sitting in front of a light therapy box, a full spectrum light box which mimics the sun, and treats people suffering from seasonal affective disorder. Credit: Fotolia

With winter in the Northern Hemisphere approaching next month, it’s not uncommon for people to feel sluggish or moody. Those symptoms can be typical of someone experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter.

Symptoms include sleeping too much, overeating, loss of energy, social withdrawal and difficulty concentrating.

While many people periodically experience some elements of SAD in winter, Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Mark Frye says you should seek professional help if your symptoms begin to affect your ability to perform at work or to take a toll on your personal relationships. Seeking clinical help is particularly important if you begin to feel hopeless or have thoughts of self-harm.

Tips to keep your mood and motivation steady during the winter:

Get outside. There is no substitute for natural light. If you work during the day, try to go for a walk during a break or lunch.

Light therapy boxes can help boost your mood when you’re unable to get outdoors.

Get regular exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes.

Light therapy is a common treatment for a variety of...

Light therapy is a common treatment for a variety of conditions, including seasonal affective disorder. Credit: iStock

Stay social. Interact with family and friends on a regular basis.

What causes SAD? Sunlight enters the brain through the eyes, stimulating the production of a neurotransmitter, serotonin, which supports nerve cell functioning, including mood. Less light results in lower levels of serotonin. Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin, which promotes sleep. The combination of less serotonin (which helps nerve cells cooperate) and increased amounts of melatonin (which puts a body to sleep) causes SAD.

FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.  Credit: Newsday/File Footage; Photo Credit: AP Photo/Steven Day, Bebeto Matthews; Getty Images

'A different situation at every airport' FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.  Credit: Newsday/File Footage; Photo Credit: AP Photo/Steven Day, Bebeto Matthews; Getty Images

'A different situation at every airport' FAA data analyzed by Newsday shows the number of bird strikes voluntarily reported by airports in New York City and Long Island has increased by 46% between 2009 and 2023. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

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