Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that affects millions of people.
"It is a clinical form of depression. It is not just something we talk about. This is something that is diagnosable, and you can get treatment," WDSU medical editor Dr. Corey Hebert said.
SAD is a form of depression that typically occurs during the winter months.
"It is a actually a very, very, sad feeling. It happens around the same time every year, during the same time, because you don't get a lot of sun light, and because you don't get a lot of sunlight, you have a serotonin and melatonin disregulation in your body and you start feeling sad," Hebert said.
Symptoms of SAD include decreased concentration, increased appetite, weight gain, social withdrawal, moodiness and fatigue.
Like most forms of depression, there is one group affected more than others, Hebert said.
"Females get it more, and if you have a family history of it, you're more prone to getting it, and if you live in a colder climate, you get it more. The reality is that we're not really in a colder climate, but we're colder now that it has been," he said.
SAD can be treated in many ways, Hebert said.
"The light is the thing that actually makes this thing better, and your doctor can prescribe light therapy, and that's very important," he said.
Other treatments can include cognitive therapy, exercise and prescribed anti-depressants.
Finally, a bowl of complex carbs like cereal can help to maintain levels of serotonin.
If the symptoms occur at the same time every year for two years, you could have Season Affective Disorder. Hebert recommends requesting a blood test from your doctor just to make sure you don't have a hormonal issue.