Do you find that your mood starts to drop like the leaves from a tree as soon as the

winter approaches?

Have you ever wondered if you have seasonal effective disorder?

If so, this week's episode is for you.

Welcome back to Savvy Psychologist.

I'm your host Dr. Monica Johnson.

Every week on this show, I'll help you face life's challenges with evidence-based approaches,

a sympathetic ear and zero judgment.

If you're anything like the patients I've seen in my career or many people I've interacted

with in my life, then you might notice that your mood starts to shift as soon as the

winter approaches.

The cold, the dark, the wind, the snow, it all leads to the moody blues for some of us.

Today, I'm going to talk about seasonal effective disorder or sad for short.

The first thing to note is that it's not a standalone mental health disorder.

It's classified under mood disorders and can be attached to a depression or bipolar

diagnosis.

Those with a sad pattern typically present with symptoms consistent with some form of

depression and will notice a seasonal pattern to their mood disorder.

The seasonal pattern is typically between fall and spring.

Those with sad may notice symptoms worsen or becoming more prevalent during that time period.

Researchers are still trying to determine the cause of sad.

Some research suggests that the shorter days in lack of light may disrupt your circadian

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