Managing seasonal affective disorder during the fall and winter

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Shorter days and less sunlight can change how we feel.

"The overwhelm, the disruption of schedules, it's that kind of recipe for struggle and a difficult time," said Sarah Esparza, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with Kaiser Permanente Fresno.

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as winter depression, is a type of condition that happens late in the fall or early winter. Health experts say about 5% of adults experience SAD. The condition can start in early adulthood and can take a toll on people already living with mental disorders.

"The things that they would usually do that really impact their anxiety or their depression," said Esparza, "some of that access to those common coping skills is really removed because of the time change and the darkness s