“Winter brings shorter days, colder weather, and, for many, a dip in mood,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and NOW Wellness Expert, DJ Blatner.
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Once the festive gatherings and bright lights of the holidays begin to fade, many people find themselves feeling down as they settle in for the long winter ahead. “Winter brings shorter days, colder weather, and, for many, a dip in mood,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and NOW Wellness Expert, DJ Blatner. That dip in mood is better known as the “winter blues.” Compared to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a form of depression that affects approximately 5% of the United States population during the fall and winter—the winter blues are not an official mental health condition recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). Still, many people may find themselves experiencing similar symptoms to SAD during the winter months, such as changes in sleep, loss of energy, difficulty focusing and a general feeling of sadness.
Supplements are one of several options to assist in boosting mood and overall health during the winter season.
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