Dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder as winter inches closer

The days are shorter, the cold is here and that could have some people feeling down.
Pablo Ibanez, a psychiatrist at Saint Barnabas Hospital says Seasonal Affective Disorder is very common this time of year.
He says the change in temperature can change your mood.

"Seasonal Affective Disorder is a disorder in which people experience symptoms similar to the symptoms you experience during depression," says psychiatrist Pablo Ibanez.
That includes low mood, feeling down, low energy or drive. These symptoms happen mostly during fall and winter.

"Seasonal Affective Disorder is more common now than we thought. Women are more likely to get Seasonal Affective Disorder and people that are younger are more likely to get Seasonal Affective Disorder," says Ibanez.

For those who feel it coming on, Ibanez says there are ways to help stop it.

Ibanez recommends just getting outside for some vitamin D. Even if it is cold, he says bundle up and get out. Even some exercise outside, like going for a run or walk, can do wonders. When staying indoors, he recommends getting natural light in.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 5% of adults in the Unites States experience Seasonal Affective Disorder.

"It is important for Seasonal Affective Disorder just to make sure that there is nothing more serious going on, so if you notice that your mood is not getting better that you are feeling low, you are feeling hopeless or worthless even if you are thinking about doing anything to hurt yourself, it is always a good time to go to your doctor make sure that there is nothing else going on and get the treatment that you deserve," says Ibanez.