Seasonal affective disorder, not just the winter blues How to combat seasonal affective disorder waterfall (Source: KEYC) By Jared Dean | March 14, 2021 at 6:23 PM CDT - Updated March 14 at 6:23 PM MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder that can cause depression around the same time every year. It is common for people to experience this in the winter given the cold and shorter days. As days begin to warm up and the sun shines more, professionals recommend things like spending time outside when you can. “Be outside, enjoy the sunshine, enjoy the warm weather,” Professor Thad Shunkwiler at the Department of Health services at Minnesota State, Mankato said. “Here in Minnesota it doesn’t always last that long so when we have it make sure you are ceasing on it, but also know that their are other places to go to get help. When you are struggling it is important to talk with and have those conversations with your doctor or mental health professionals so you can get the right treatment for what’s going on.”