As temperatures rise and this winter season seems to be over, a look back at daily life over the past few months is a feeling that many of you may have had: the cold and reduced sunlight sometimes makes you feel less energetic. But if you often feel depressed in the fall and winter, you may be suffering from a specific type of depression: seasonal depression. Seasonal depression falls under the category of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a real illness that can have a serious impact on work and personal life. What causes SAD? As with almost all psychiatric disorders, the onset of SAD is associated with a variety of factors that are still inconclusive and are being studied tirelessly by scientists. Do I have SAD? SAD can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because many of its symptoms are similar to other mental and emotional problems, except that they are more related to the seasons. In general, if there have been symptoms associated with it for at least two consecutive winters (or other seasons), without any other cause, it may be SAD. If someone is concerned that he or she has SAD, try to see if the following manifestations occur during the change of seasons. If most of the following manifestations are present, it is time to see a doctor: 1. change in appetite, especially craving sweet or starchy foods; 2. weight gain; 3. decreased energy; 4. fatigue; 5. tendency to sleepiness; 6. difficulty concentrating; 7. irritability; 8. avoidance of social situations; 9. Feelings of anxiety and despair.