WMOK (Metropolis, IL) Kim Abell, the Director of the New Beginnings Department at Massac Memorial Hospital, recently joined us for WMOK’s Coffee Break to talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a type of depression that tends to appear when the seasons change, especially during winter. This happens because shorter days and less sunlight can throw off our internal body clock, leading to feelings of low energy, mood swings, and excessive sleeping. In simple terms, it can be tough for our brains to adapt when it gets dark outside earlier.
Around 5% of adults in the U.S. deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder every year, and its symptoms can last for about four months. It’s also more common in women—about four times more than in men—and people living in northern areas are affected more than those in southern regions.
During our conversation, Kim explained what happens to our bodies and minds when we experience SAD and offered practical tips for coping with it. She also discussed how the New Beginnings Department can support older adults who are facing depression during different life changes.
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