What Is Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically beginning in late fall or early winter and subsiding in spring. Unlike the milder "winter blues," SAD can significantly impact daily life, affecting your mood, energy, and cognitive function.

As the days grow shorter and darker, you may notice changes in your mood and energy levels. For some, these shifts signal more than just the winter blues—they could indicate seasonal affective disorder, also known as seasonal depression. This recurring condition affects millions of people each year, yet often goes unrecognized or misunderstood.  The primary trigger is reduced sunlight exposure, which can disrupt your body's internal clock and lead to a drop in serotonin levels.

You may be at higher risk for SAD if you:

• Are between 18 and 30 years old

• Were assigned female at birth

• Have a family history of depression

• Live far from the equator

Individuals with existing mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, are also more susceptible to SAD. Regardless of your experience with seasonal depression, professional treatment can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life during challenging seasons.

What Causes Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal depression stems from a complex interplay of biological factors triggered by changes in sunlight exposure. Understanding these underlying causes can help you better manage and cope with this condition.

Disruption of Biological Rhythms

When daylight diminishes, your internal biological clock can shift out of sync. This circadian rhythm regulates mood, sleep, and hormones. The misalignment can leave you feeling out of step with your usual daily routines, potentially triggering depressive symptoms.

Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Reduced sunlight exposure can disrupt the delicate balance of brain chemicals, particularly serotonin. This neurotransmitter plays a crucial role in mood regulation. For those predisposed to SAD, already lower serotonin activity may be further compromised by winter's lack of sunlight, exacerbating depressive tendencies.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Melatonin Overproduction

Sunlight is essential for Vitamin D synthesis, supporting serotonin production. Less sun in winter can lead to Vitamin D deficiency, potentially impacting mood. Additionally, darkness stimulates Melatonin production. Excess Melatonin can induce feelings of lethargy and sleepiness, contributing to the characteristic sluggishness associated with seasonal depression.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The American Psychiatric Association classifies SAD as a major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. If you're experiencing SAD, you may notice significant mood changes and depressive symptoms, including:

• Persistent sadness or depressed mood, often lasting most of the day

• Anxiety and irritability

• Extreme fatigue and lack of energy

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Loss of interest in usually enjoyable activities

• Social withdrawal

• Sleep disturbances, typically oversleeping

• Increased appetite, especially for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain

• Heavy, leaden feeling in the arms and legs

• Thoughts of death or suicide in severe cases

Summer SAD

While winter-onset SAD is more common, a rare summer-onset variation exists, beginning in late spring or early summer and ending in fall. While less common, some individuals experience SAD during the summer months. Symptoms may include:

• Agitation and restlessness

• Decreased appetite and weight loss

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping

• Increased irritability

If you're noticing these symptoms recurring seasonally, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional to receive a formal diagnosis and learn about your treatment options.

As you navigate the challenges of seasonal depression, remember that you have taken an important first step by recognizing the symptoms and understanding the underlying causes. While the shorter days and colder weather may feel debilitating, effective strategies exist to manage this condition. From light therapy to lifestyle changes, you have options to alleviate your symptoms and improve your well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms of SAD, contact me to explore working together to develop a personalized depression treatment plan. I look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to be of help.