Low mood, anger, irritability, and lack of desire to connect with others are some of the signs to look out for if you know someone who may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder.
It is a form of depression that people experience each year when the seasons change, and it is most commonly felt in the winter.
Shirley Hogan belongs to the PG chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association. She pointed out that residents should not hesitate to reach out if they notice a change in someone’s behavior.
“Watch out for these behavioral changes. If the person seems depressed or angry, they may manifest in other ways. there is.”
Hogan added that longer nights and darker days are often the perfect storm for those suffering from the condition.
“On a rainy/icy day like today, when it’s dark and cold, it’s really hard to ask for help and get outside the house to get some fresh air and connection. ”
She said symptoms and the length of time they last often vary from person to person.
“If someone has ever had a seasonally-affected disorder, they can pretty much anticipate it coming. You can also learn different tools,” Hogan added.
The Canadian Mental Health Association offers free online courses, such as Living Life to the Full, to address seasonally influenced disorders.
