At the same time, the mirth and merriment of the holidays begins, helping many to substitute outdoor activities for more indoor pleasures.
But not everybody can enjoy the tradeoff. There are a number of people who withdraw at this time of year. While the reasons vary, there is a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (ironically, known by the acronym SAD), a form of depression that arrives with the seasons changing.
The recognition of seasonal affective disorder as a legitimate condition is relatively recent and how it occurs is still not completely understood. The condition seems to begin and end at around the same time every year. For most people, that means it commences with the arrival of fall and continues into winter, but some relatively rare cases begin in spring and go into summer.
Those affected share common symptoms of depression, including withdrawal, energy loss and moodiness, with changes in appetite and behaviors affecting their social interactions. In most cases, depression progresses, becoming more severe as the season advances.
Those afflicted report a depression that lasts most of each day, feeling worthless or hopeless; having low energy; losing interest in formerly pleasurable activities; sleep issues, including insomnia or sleeping too much; changes in weight; feeling sluggish or agitated; difficulty concentrating; and suicidal thoughts.
Winter seasonal affective disorder sufferers also report some specific issues, including irritability, low energy, problems dealing with others, hypersensitivity with rejection, a leaden feeling in the legs or arms, oversleeping, and a craving for high-carbohydrate foods, which can lead to weight gain.