As the temperature quickly dropped and gray clouds begin to cover the sun, you probably find yourself revisiting summer memories and longing for warmer weather. When you walk outside, the wintry-bitter air hits you like a brick and you immediately turn around and go back inside. If you find yourself staying indoors during this bleak season — don’t worry, you are likely a victim of seasonal depression. Seasonal depression is an actual disorder that deprives many of energy and happiness.

Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it is a form of depression that for most, begins at the end of fall and ends when the first flower of spring blooms. This sadness typically stems from the lack of light and once these patients are exposed to light they feel better.

During this dreary season, the clouds often cover the sun and days are shorter due to daylight-savings time; it explains how this disorder came to be. The gloomy weather drains energy and creates moodiness. In the United States alone, there are about three million cases per year.  The shortened winter day forces many people to wake up before the sun rises. Having an alarm go off before the sun rises reduces a person’s energy and ability to get up and start their day. This also contributes to people having a dull and sad day.

Some people actually go into such a deep depression that they require treatment. Treatment includes light therapy, psychotherapy and in some cases, even medication. During light therapy, the patient is placed in a special box that provides light similar to what the sun would provide. This changes the patient’s mood by stimulating brain chemicals. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, helps people relieve stress and cope with their negative emotions. People with a history of SAD and those who suffer from extreme cases usually take a form of an antidepressant. Doctors only offer this option in extreme cases because light therapy or psychotherapy typically solve the problem.

If it is one of those gloomy, cold, winter days and you find yourself in a negative mood you can not explain, you may be suffering from seasonal depression. However, do not worry, you are not alone. Most people are like you; spending most of your days wishing you lived more south, desiring a much needed getaway from winter, and just craving the summer sun that provides us with so much happiness. Seasonal depression will come and go; for now, just remember to dress warmly and take advantage when the sun peeks through the gray clouds.