Seasonal Affective Disorder in the U.P.

This seemingly never-ending winter can have an affect on people.  ABC Ten’s Keweenaw Bureau Reporter Rick Allen has more on what’s called Seasonal Affective Disorder.

During the winter…the days get shorter and darker and that affects a neurotransmitter called serotonin.  The lack of serotonin leads to depression.

There are nine symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder…one of those is a lack of energy.  Other symptoms include mood changes…resulting in depression, irritableness, anger, and anxiety.

Because it’s been Spring on the calendar for nearly a month now…the effect is intensified.  Seasonal Affective Disorder can be helped by getting exercise, sitting near a seasonal light, or your doctor may have some advice to help you.