A Bit on Seasonal Affective Disorder

I want to take a moment and share what’s been going on with me lately. I live in Springfield, MO where the weather is crazy and unpredictable. Living in the center of the country means that weather often just passes through our area. It’s quite literally been snowing, raining, and sunshiny all in one day before, which can make me feel a little off kilter sometimes.

I have to express my gratitude that the sun is finally here mostly to stay. Looking back at this past winter and noticing the vast changes in my feelings and moods, I can’t help but wonder if I may have Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as SAD. If I don’t have it, I am at least affected by it in some way.

I am noticeably happier during sunny times and more depressed when it’s cold and cloudy. I think it’s odd that it affects me so much but also kinda interesting. I mean we are talking about the weather having a direct long lasting affect on my mood here after all. It does sound a little coo-coo, but when I researched it, I can’t deny it’s validity? It’s right there in the DSM-5 and listed as a credible disorder that many people have. I did a little research and it turns out the Sun and all it’s life-giving goodness does affect our moods. Here’s what I found.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins…