Darn it! I guess we have to Move to St. George Pete!

It's doctors orders. Or would be if I had visited the doctor. Luckily we have the internet, so what's the point?

Seasonal Affectiveness Disorder

(also suspiciously and appropriately called SAD)

Definition

Seasonal affective disorder, often abbreviated as SAD, is a type of mood disorder that follows an annual pattern consistent with the seasons. The most common course for SAD includes an onset of depressive symptoms late in the fall, (called the grumpies) continuation of symptoms throughout winter, and remission of symptoms in the spring. (insert happy face here)

Description

The most common type of seasonal pattern is one in which an individual first experiences symptoms in the late fall, has continued and heightened symptoms in winter, and then experiences a remission of symptoms in the spring. (Like Me!) However, other patterns are possible. For example, a person may become depressed in the summer and then become less depressed when the weather becomes colder. (but that would just be silly)

Causes and symptoms

Causes

Lack of sunlight, normally associated with (unnecessary) winter, is considered to be the primary cause of SAD. The causes of rarer types of seasonal symptoms, such as those experienced by individuals who become depressed in summer, are more difficult to determine. (because they're fake)

Symptoms

The symptoms experienced by people with SAD are similar to some of those experienced by depressed people in general: change in appetite, weight gain or loss, fatigue, irritability, and avoidance of social situations.

Treatments

Light therapy, (such as the sun in St. George) in which the person experiencing SAD is exposed to high-intensity light, is often used—usually for one to two hours per day. Light therapy has been found to be the most effective treatment for people correctly diagnosed with seasonal symptoms in the winter. It does not appear to have serious side effects. (except euphoria)

Prognosis

Light therapy is considered to be a safe and effective treatment. Also, SAD can be a persistent problem; even if light therapy is effective one year, symptoms may return the following year. (Unless they are in "light therapy" all year)

Sorry Pete, I guess it's my only chance (shrug)