Winter doldrums may pack on pounds

The shorter days and gloomy skies of winter can make you depressed – and even contribute to that post-holiday season weight gain.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, triggered by a lack of sunlight, not only spurs depression, but a craving for rich foods such as carbohydrates and sweets. With most types of depression, people lose interest in food.

In fact, when spring comes, SAD sufferers suddenly feel better and often lose the weight they’ve gained.

Twice as many woman as men suffer from SAD, which affects only about 2 percent of the population. Most people with SAD are adults, but it can affect children.

If you’ve had the seasonal blues – plus food cravings – for two or three winters, check with your doctor about finding a specialist. For mild forms of the disorder, try to spend more time outside in the sunshine, or exercising outdoors. For some, light therapy does the trick, or even taking medication.

SAD should not be confused with major depression, which affects 13 million Americans annually with no regard to season.

Major depression is related to situations and losses, in addition to having both medical and biochemical causes.

If you or a family member is suffering from the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, call the Center for Behavioral Health® Access Center at (502) 896-7105 or toll-free at 1-800-478-1105. Help is available 24 hours a day.