If you’re struggling with mood swings, eating more, and having less energy, those could be signs of seasonal affective disorder.  

Local doctors say they typically see more of these cases heading into February, when winter is often at its coldest.  

“It’s similar to depressive disorder where somebody has changes in mood, either low or can become easily irritable. They generally for the seasonal aspect they start eating more, and there’s an association with eating more carbs,” said Dr. Ahmed Al-Katib, psychiatrist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County. “So you were working, you were going to school, and you were having these interpersonal relationships, and now you’ve have a disorder in them such that you’re not going to work or missing work, you’re doing poorly in school, you’re avoiding your friends and family and maybe you’re getting into more fights and stuff. That’s when it should be the trigger.” 

Suggested treatments can range from increasing frequency of exercise to therapy and medication. NYC Health + Hospitals offers resources to those who are struggling and urge you to reach out if you need