All of us get the “winter blues” now and again, but for some people, feelings of sadness and exhaustion during fall and winter is evidence of something more serious.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that is linked to different seasons of the year, typically winter, but sometimes summer as well. It’s thought that shorter days and less exposure to sunlight may be a cause, as well as overproduction of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles.
There are multiple potential symptoms of SAD:
- Sleeping more and feeling tired during the day
- Loss of interest in doing things
- Irritability and anxiety
- General fatigue
- Brain fog and more
It’s important to note that SAD and general depression are different from feeling sad or “out of it” for a few days. For SAD, the depressive episodes need to line up with specific seasons (usually winter or summer) at least two years in a row. Anyone can develop SAD, though it is more often diagnosed in women and may be more common for people who live in areas with short winter days.
There are multiple avenues for treating SAD. Exposure to sunlight or use of special lights that mimic sunlight can help relieve symptoms. Different forms of talk therapy can help you learn coping mechanisms, and in some cases, vitamin D supplements and antidepressant medications can relieve symptoms. If you experience recurring symptoms of depression during the winter or summer, consider talking to your doctor.
NIMH » Seasonal Affective Disorder (nih.gov)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
