A person having Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) experiences an episode of depression at a specific time of year.  Usually the episode will occur in fall or winter and subside or end in spring.  However, some will experience SAD in the summer.  A person experiencing depression with SAD tends to have low energy, sleeps more than normal, overeats, craves sweets and starchy foods, and gains weight.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a common problem in the Pacific Northwest, with 10 percent of those residing here having this problem.  A higher incident of SAD occurs in people with Bipolar II Disorder and women with PMS. 

Helpful websites on Seasonal Affective Disorder:

PsychEducation Light Therapy

Mayo Clinic - Seasonal Affective Disorder