Mental health counselor shares tips for managing seasonal affective disorder

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

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FARGO — Sanford Health mental health counselor Kayla Savageau says North Dakota ranks seventh in the nation for seasonal affective disorder, often referred to as SAD.

Savageau says less hours of daylight can throw off sleep and possibly affect moods.

She says friends and family may pick up on changes before people bring them up.

She said people may turn down plans more often or seem quieter when together. They may also sleep longer than usual and still wake up tired.

She says if your mood tends to drop around the same time each year, tell your doctor when you first notice the change.

"So they could work with you, really identify those behaviors and maybe those thoughts that support that depression and create a management plan ... the actions we're gonna take instead," said Savageau, a Sanford integrated health therapist.

Savageau says a doctor can also help patients decide whether light therapy or medication might be an option.

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Matthew Freeman has been a reporter for WDAY since 2026. He is a graduate of Dan Patrick's School for Sports Broadcasting at Full Sail University. He is from Panama City Beach, FL.

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