The holiday season can bring out the best in humanity while at the same time it can negatively affect the mental health of other individuals. Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is considered a medical condition that has many factors including unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, and excessive commitments that cause stress and anxiety. Sadness, negative self-reflection, loneliness and anxiety should not be part of the holidays but for many individuals that is what they are dealing with because of S.A.D. Some of the symptoms of S.A.D. include tiredness, fatigue, depression, crying spells, mood swings, irritability, trouble concentrating, body aches, loss of sex drive, insomnia, decreased activity level and overeating. While individuals could benefit from medical and professional help there are simple things to try and help. Some things to help include increased social support, finding ways to reduce stress, and regular exposure to bright lights, particularly fluorescent lights.
