Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, affects millions of people across the United States. Those struggling will experience extended periods of sadness, hopelessness, low energy, and anxiety—echoing the symptoms of major depression—at certain times of the year. Typically, though, the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder are temporary, resolving when the seasons change.
Seasonal affective disorder presents itself like depression, making it difficult to function at work, school, home, or in social settings. It disrupts a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks and wipes out their energy—for roughly five months out of the year. Most often, seasonal affective disorder starts in the Fall/Winter, with symptoms at their worst between January and February. As the days get longer, and weather warms, the symptoms then start to fade.
Do you have seasonal affective disorder? Are you concerned your loved one is struggling? Read on to learn about the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder and how to resolve them.
The Types of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression, and its symptoms therefore mimic this common mental health disorder. However, seasonal affective disorder is unique in that its symptoms only last for about five months at a time. It follows a recurrent seasonal pattern.
While most cases of seasonal affective disorder occur during the Fall and Winter, SAD can also emerge during the Spring and Summer. Depending on when it occurs, seasonal affective disorder is categorized as winter-pattern or summer-pattern:
- Winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder symptoms begin in the Fall/Winter, and resolve in the Spring/Summer.
- Summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder symptoms peak in the Spring/Summer months, but resolve in the Fall/Winter
Both winter-pattern and summer-pattern seasonal affective disorder will exhibit the symptoms of depression. However, there are symptoms that are specific to each type of disorder:
- Winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder symptoms tend to mirror hibernation. People struggling might sleep too much, overeat, and withdraw from loved ones.
- Summer-pattern seasonal depression typically involves a lack of sleep and appetite. It also commonly brings about anxiety, agitation, and aggression.
Now, what are the core symptoms of seasonal affective disorder? Knowing the signs, listed below, can help you spot seasonal depression and take steps to overcome it, before the season turns.
The Emotional Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Feeling sad or “down” most of the day, nearly every day, for 2+ weeks
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or guilty
- Feeling irritable or frustrated
- Stress, anxiety, and overwhelm
- No longer interested in activities you used to enjoy
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
The Behavioral Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Less active than normal
- Sleeping for longer than normal, or having trouble sleeping at night
- Finding it hard to get up in the morning
- Struggling to concentrate and remember information
- Increased appetite or lack thereof (depending on the type of SAD)
- Withdrawal from family and friends, as well as social activities
- Reduced sex drive
The Physical Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Lacking energy
- Fatigue
- Physical aches or pains, such as stomachaches and headaches, that cannot be tied to another cause
- Weight changes, due to increased or decreased appetite
Again, the symptoms of seasonal depression are much like depression—they can be all-consuming, getting in the way of everyday (and once-loved) activities. Like depression, the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder occur for most days, and most hours of those days, for an extended period of time (2+ weeks). However, the symptoms typically resolve when the weather changes and the seasons shift.
When the symptoms of seasonal depression do not resolve, though, this usually indicates that it’s a deeper-seated issue like major depression. Major depression is among the most common mental health disorders affecting Americans today. Its symptoms are consistent with the above, but can emerge and persist throughout any month of the year.
Are You Struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Just like the seasons, the symptoms of seasonal depression come and go. However, they can feel debilitating for someone who is struggling. Seasonal affective disorder can get in the way of living your life to its fullest potential. So, you shouldn’t wait until the warm weather comes around. You can get help now. Seasonal affective disorder is treatable.
Experts agree that – although seasonal affective disorder isn’t a mental illness – it can be treated in a very similar manner to major depression. Therefore, if you are showing signs of seasonal depression, it’s recommended that you:
- Explore therapy. Professional therapy, and specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be extremely effective in treating the symptoms of depression. CBT helps people learn how to identify their triggers, cope with their symptoms, and reduce the severity of their disorder through learned and practiced skills.
- Spend time outside. Nature has a variety of mental health benefits, but for seasonal affective disorder, this simple step can be game-changing. Spending time outdoors exposes a person to the most natural source of Vitamin D, which plays a big role in mood regulation.
- Get enough sleep. Having a sleep routine – including going to bed and waking at the same hour each day – can be very helpful for those battling seasonal depression. It prevents oversleeping and lack of sleep, and promotes a more stable mental state.
- Be physically active. Exercise regularly, even if it’s indoors. Exercise promotes the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, leading to improved mental health.
- Light, light, light! Many people struggle with winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder as soon as the clocks fall back and the days get short. The lack of sunlight is thought to disrupt the circadian rhythm, as well as reduce serotonin in the body, in turn leading to symptoms of depression. But because sunlight is not always available during the winter months, light therapy can be pivotal in reducing the symptoms of seasonal depression.
All in all, the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder can be overwhelming, but they are entirely treatable. The disorder itself is also very predictable, with the seasons giving way to the familiar symptoms of major depression. Because of this, treatment experts know exactly how to tackle SAD – often before it gets out of hand.
If you or someone you love is facing the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, you are not alone. As a leading mental health treatment provider, Turnbridge has a team of experts who can guide you through this difficult time—and beyond it. Contact us at 877-581-1793 to speak with a treatment specialist confidentially today.