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What is Seasonal Depression?

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What is Seasonal
Depression?

A close-up of a cloudy sky

Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs at a specific time of year, most commonly during the fall and winter months. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and five percent of adults in the US. SAD symptoms typically last for 40% of the year, particularly in regions where daylight hours are significantly reduced during particular seasons. While feeling a little down during shorter, colder days is normal, seasonal depression goes beyond the occasional winter blues and can severely impact daily life.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is largely attributed to geographic location as people living far from the equator are more impacted by reduced winter sunlight, however, SAD can affect anyone anywhere so let’s dissect the symptoms one may experience:

Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

People with seasonal depression often experience symptoms that are similar to those of major depressive disorder. These can include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Fatigue and low energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Oversleeping or insomnia
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Thoughts of death or suicide in severe cases
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The symptoms typically begin in late fall or early winter and subside during the spring and summer months. However, a less common form of SAD, known as summer-pattern seasonal depression, can occur during the spring and summer.

Causes of Seasonal Depression

The exact cause of seasonal depression isn’t fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute:
Reduced Sunlight: The decrease in sunlight during fall and winter can disrupt your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), leading to feelings of depression.
Serotonin Levels: Lower levels of sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, which may trigger depressive symptoms.
Melatonin Levels: Seasonal changes can also disrupt the balance of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep and mood.
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Treatment for Seasonal Depression

If you feel you are experiencing SAD, we have great news for you! Seasonal depression is treatable, and several options are available to help manage symptoms:

Light Therapy: Also known as phototherapy, this involves sitting near a special light box that mimics natural sunlight for 20-30 minutes daily. Light therapy is often considered a first-line treatment for SAD.

Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in treating seasonal depression by helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns. To schedule your therapy session today, click here.

Medications: Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be prescribed for those with severe symptoms. To learn more about our psychiatric medication management services and providers click here.

Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a consistent sleep schedule can also improve symptoms. Our occupational therapists, mental health clinicians, holistic dietician staff, and Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturists are skilled at helping you get your habits on a healthy rhythm to support your mental and physical well-being.

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Vitamin D Supplements: Since reduced sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency, supplements may help alleviate symptoms in some individuals. Talk to your licensed healthcare professional about assessing vitamin D levels, to determine whether supplementation may be beneficial for you.

When to Seek Help

If you suspect you or someone you know may have seasonal depression, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional. Left untreated, SAD can significantly affect quality of life and lead to complications, including worsening depression. Seasonal affective disorder can be a lonely experience, but you don’t need to suffer in isolation. Help is available - and we’re here to assist you in connecting with the services that will get you feeling like yourself again soon.

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At Minnesota Clinic for Health and Wellness, we’re here to support your mental health needs. Our team of professionals can help you identify the signs of seasonal depression and create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel your best year-round. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

By raising awareness about seasonal depression, we hope to empower individuals to seek the support they need and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Remember, you’re not alone, and effective treatment is available.

Schedule An Appointment Today