Dr. Veronica Hutchings says symptoms last for more than 2 weeks and can include depressed moods and a lack of energy.
This time of year can cause the blues for many people and there is a medical diagnosis for it. On the Plain Truth with host Paula Shepard this week on Bayfm, she speaks with Dr. Veronica Hutchings, a registered psychologist with Grenfell Campus. She says shorter days and colder temperatures were often associated with SADS, or Seasonal Affect Disorders, but there’s a new diagnosis for feeling this way these days and it’s called Major Depressive Disorder with seasonal patterns. Dr. Hutchings says symptoms last for more than 2 weeks and can include depressed moods and a lack of energy. She says women and young adults are diagnosed more than men. Hutchings doesn’t agree with how diagnosis are handled, saying some are suffering more but showing less symptoms so they don’t get the diagnosis. Hutchings says changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, excessive guilt, slow mobility, and even agitation can also be symptoms.
UPDATE: Cellular service restored after damage to Bell Aliant tower in La Scie
41-year-old Matthew Delaney charged with two counts of murder in St. John's
Mill City Mavericks, Broadway Blues Band and Tammy Dutcher perform in Stephenville tomorrow night
60th annual Lions Club Santa Claus Parade is tomorrow "60 Seasons of Christmas Magic!"
Blow Me Down Ski Trails to open tomorrow, a month earlier than last year
