J. David Bullock, MD, shares tips to combat seasonal depression
The holiday season is a joyous time for many, but for others, the colder and darker days may trigger more intense feelings of depression.
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is form of clinical depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months, with symptoms ranging from daily feelings of depression or feeling sad most of the day to fatigue, low energy and changes in appetite or weight. The specific cause of seasonal depression remains unknown. Experts theorize that less sunlight and shorter days may cause winter-onset SAD.
In an interview with WDAM, J. David Bullock, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Sumrall Medical Center, shared mental health tips to help combat seasonal depression.
“Some people will say they have the winter blues, cabin fever, that sort of thing, but it should be taken seriously because it can affect not only the patient but the patient’s family and friends around them,” Bullock said.
“I encourage folks to get out in the sunshine, into the gym, to walk and bike. And don’t hesitate to discuss it with your healthcare professional,” he added.
Click here to watch the full interview.
