During the winter, the blues strikes about 10% among the general American population; that number rises to 20-30% in northern latitudes such as Portland (Portland Psychotherapy). About 6-8% of Americans and 5-9% of Portlanders will develop a more serious form of cyclic depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is triggered by the scarcity of natural light the fall and winter.

Symptoms of SAD include:
–Fatigue during the day.
–Decreased ability to focus; feeling like you’re “in a fog” mentally.
–Grumpiness and irritability.
–Decreased libido.
–Amplified need for sleep.
–Growing appetite for “comfort foods” such as starchy carbohydrates and sweets.
SAD may also prompt social withdrawal. Women between […]