Seasonal Affective Disorder Comes with Falling Leaves and Shorter Days

Lyndhurst, NJ (October 30, 2009) The leaves are changing; the first breeze of chilly air comes through your window; and the days keep getting shorter. For many people, the change to winter weather can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder or what is commonly known as SAD.

SAD is a depression that occurs each year at the same time, usually starting in fall or winter and ending in spring or early summer. This mood disorder is often attributed to the lack of light during the colder months of the year. Between 10 and 20 percent of the U.S. population may suffer from mild symptoms associated with the disorder. Three-quarters of those are women.

Symptoms of SAD can include:

• Excessive sleeping or feelings of extreme fatigue;
• Overeating and weight gain during the fall or winter;
• Inability to maintain regular lifestyle schedule;
• Depression (feelings of sadness, loss of feelings, apathy) and irritability;
• Lack of interest in social interactions, losing interest in activities of enjoyment;
• Remission of symptoms in the spring and summer months.

SAD is a diagnosable disorder that may require treatment; so this November Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. (CBHCare) invites you to take advantage of free, anonymous online mental health self-assessments. If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, please visit www.cbhcare.com to complete a simple online questionnaire. You will receive immediate, customized feedback as well as the opportunity to schedule an appointment for further evaluation if necessary.

Individuals may also call the CBHCare Confidential Access Center at 201-646-0195, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, for a referral to a licensed mental health professional.

Founded in 1969 in response to the critical need for counseling services in the community, CBHCare is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest quality of behavioral healthcare services to the people of New Jersey. Over the past 40 years, CBHCare has expanded its services to all ages - from children to seniors.

With treatment centers in Lyndhurst, Hackensack and River Edge, CBHCare offers quality mental health services including individual and family counseling; rehabilitation; alcohol and substance abuse treatment; the Valley Brook Center for Geriatric Partial Care; residential, and preventive services - making CBHCare one of the most vital and important healthcare resources in northern New Jersey.