In the United States, one in five adults and nearly two million children are diagnosed with seasonal depression. From lowered energy to flat-out hopelessness, the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder are obvious, but the underlying causes are not as clear.
Research suggests that symptoms of SAD may have to do with our body and brain’s relationship with light, more specifically, sunlight, vitamin D, and our moods. As one of the most important vitamins, vitamin D receptors can be found in nearly all cells of the body and are responsible for affecting our bone growth, immune function, and absorption of other minerals. With fewer hours of daylight, cloudier skies, and cold weather keeping us more prone to stay in doors, lower levels of vitamin D is common and contributes to frequent illness like colds and flu, general fatigue, and depression, closely tying it into symptoms of SAD. But our vitamin D levels are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding the big picture of Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Ready to get your energy back and beat the winter blues? This infographic details the symptoms and potential causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder and how technology is helping every step of the way.
