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If you feel down during the winter months, you’re not alone. While the reigning belief is that only 5% of the U.S. population experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this number probably feels vastly under-representative.
SAD is somewhat of a scale, ranging from the milder “winter blues” to all-out seasonal depression, according to Renown. Most people who suffer from SAD start feeling symptoms in fall and winter, likely due to changes in our circadian rhythm caused by shifts in the season (hence the name). But one fun fact is that SAD doesn’t seem to ever happen in the tropics.
Generally speaking, the further north you live, the more likely you are to experience some scale of SAD. Alaska, Vermont and New Hampshire have the highest rates of SAD, according to IN. Cities such as Burlington, VT., Fargo, North Dakota, and Springfield, Mass., have the highest rates of online searches for SAD, typically starting in August and peaking in late November, early December. (TAKE A POLL: Are You a fan of President Trump’s Cabinet?)
Where Is Happiest?
Probably unsurprisingly, Florida and Hawaii had the lowest rates of SAD, according to the research conducted by IN. Arizona came in a close third, followed by New Mexico, Texas, and California. All of these states are known for long months of warm weather and glorious sunshine, suggesting the true cause of SAD may have something to do with vitamin D.
Medical treatments for SAD include different forms of light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as the use of various drugs to combat the symptoms of SAD, per the Cleveland Clinic. Getting outside is another key means of fighting off the winter blues. You can also invite the outside, inside, by opening up your office or home to more sunlight. There are many ways to help combat the darkness of winter, so don’t feel like you have to go through this every year. (POPULAR: 3 Weird Facts That’ll Seriously Surprise You About Lincoln)
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