Down in the Dark

The fall-winter emotional drop is experienced by most people, and as you state, less daylight seems to influence it. But it might be our evolutionary cycle in general. This time of year keeps us indoors more, makes us more sedentary, and I think gives us the feeling we have fewer choices to express our need for freedom. Add in the generally colder weather, the rain, snow, the demand to drive, walk and live in more challenging circumstances -- it all contributes to a less "cheery" response to life. Even depression.

Grown ups need to take note of kids in winter....get outside! How many unhappy kids do we find in winter compared to house-bound adults? I run outside every day, even in winter--I live in a very northern state with lots of snow, too. Stop hiding indoors. Instead of the treadmill in the basement, take the kids sledding. Go skiing or snowshoeing, even go for a walk outside. It'll make a difference.

Another acronym for SAD is the Standard American Diet (meat, grain, and dairy), which can lead to mental confusion and depression. There are studies where prisoners fed a more nutritious diet than a conrol group (fed on SAD) have a comparatively reduced violence rate.

I THOUGHT SAD STOOD FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER WHICH IS ANOTHER LEGITIMATE MEDICAL CONDITION.