OAKES, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D., involves recurring episodes of depression or symptoms of anxiety mainly related to seasonal patterns and is most common in the wintertime.

Dr. Tara Mertz-Hack M.D. with Sanford Health says that about 10-15% of the population is affected by S.A.D. Mertz-Hack gave some tips on how to help someone who might be affected by the disorder.

The number for the suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-8255. Mertz-Hack said if there isn’t any way to get help from a medical professional, the hotline is a very good tool to use.

Mertz-Hack talked about the numbers of those who have dealt with some form of anxiety to show way the topic of depression and mental health shouldn’t be so “taboo”.

Mertz-Hack said that getting the help that someone needs is extremely important and no one needs to feel like they are alone in this.