5 things to know about seasonal depression

Plus, how it’s different than depression.

By Vivian Nunez

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Fall brings amazing foliage, sweater weather, and, for many people, Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD, as it is also known, is a type of depressive disorder specifically tied to the changing of the seasons.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are more likely to experience SAD than men. Often, people experience SAD when the days become shorter and less sunlight is available. But those aren’t the only conditions that can cause symptoms to set in.

Below are 5 seasonal affective disorder facts to become familiar with this season!

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It surfaces seasonally only

Unlike other depressive or anxiety disorders, SAD is known for lasting a concentrated period of time. According to NIMH, those who experience SAD do so for about 4-5 months at a time.

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SAD isn’t exclusive to the winter months

Some people who struggle with SAD experience winter-pattern SAD, which arises in the colder, darker months. But SAD can also occur in the warmer, sunnier months. Summer-pattern SAD is associated with symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness.

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Doctors can only diagnose someone with SAD after two consecutive years

Winter-pattern SAD has symptoms like oversleeping, overeating, and social withdrawal (or “hibernating”). Both summer and winter-pattern SAD share certain general symptoms with depression, but unlike depression, SAD cannot be diagnosed after two weeks. For a doctor to diagnose you with seasonal affective disorder, you would need to have recurring symptoms for two consecutive years and during consistent seasons.

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The change in daylight hours may be tied to SAD

For those who experience winter-pattern SAD, symptoms are typically tied to the reduction in daylight hours. Darker, shorter days and less exposure to sunlight can potentially impact a person’s serotonin levels, which directly connect to mood and mental health. The NIMH offered the insight that SAD is more likely to present in those who live in the northern parts of the United States instead of in the south because of the shifts in daylight and sunlight exposure.

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There are four different ways to treat SAD

SAD can be treated in four different ways: light therapy, talk therapy, antidepressants, or vitamin D. Talk therapy and antidepressants are in line with how many other depressive disorders are potentially treated. In contrast, light therapy and vitamin D are SAD-specific. Light therapy involves a person sitting in front of a special light box for 30-45 minutes daily during the darker months to help offset the lack of sunlight in a regular day. A doctor may prescribe Vitamin D supplements when a patient is struggling with both SAD symptoms and a vitamin D deficiency.

The more you know about SAD, the more you can make the fall and winter seasons easier on yourself and your mental health! You can learn more about managing depression in our Calm Health's Navigating Depression with Practical Tools module.

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Calm Health is not intended to diagnose or treat depression, anxiety, or any other mental or physical health condition. The use of Calm Health is not a substitute for care by a physician or other health care provider. Any questions that you may have regarding the diagnosis, care, or treatment of a health condition should be directed to your physician or health care provider. Calm Health is a mental wellness product.