Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSAD SymptomsSAD Treatment OptionsTheories and Risk FactorsWhen Can You Start Treatment?Self-Care SAD Strategies
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
SAD Symptoms
SAD Treatment Options
Theories and Risk Factors
When Can You Start Treatment?
Self-Care SAD Strategies
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurrentmajor depressive disorderthat changes with the seasons. Winter-pattern SAD occurs in the colder, darker months (fall and winter), while the less-common summer-pattern SAD occurs in the warmer, sunnier months (spring and summer).
Symptoms include feeling sad and hopeless, having low energy levels, and sleeping too much or too little.
SAD is more common in people assigned female at birth, younger people, and people who live in northern regions, where the winter months tend to be cold and dark. The exact cause of SAD is unknown but may be related to an imbalance ofserotoninin the brain.
Treatment options for SAD includelight therapy, antidepressant medications,mental health therapy, andvitamin D supplements.
This article discusses the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for SAD.
Cavan Images / Getty Images
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Symptoms at End and Beginning of Year
In seasonal affective disorder, mood changes coincide with seasonal changes. It is a type ofdepressionthat affects how you think, feel, and behave. Symptoms of SAD usually start in late fall or early winter and resolve in the spring season.
Symptoms of winter-pattern SAD may include:
Other winter-pattern SAD symptoms may include:
SAD vs. Winter Blues
SAD is a type of major depressive disorder (chronic depression) and requires medical treatment. The less-seriouswinter bluesare more common and include feeling down and tired, likely due to the colder weather and shorter days. Symptoms often are improved with lifestyle changes.
It is possible to experience SAD in the summer and winter.Summer-pattern SADsymptoms include:Trouble sleepingRestlessnessAnxietyAggressionLow appetite and weight loss
It is possible to experience SAD in the summer and winter.Summer-pattern SADsymptoms include:
A Word From VerywellThe hidden struggle among patients with summer-pattern SAD demands an understanding of mental health diversity so we can ensure that every person has access to the right support system, regardless of when their individual symptoms peak.—KIRA GRAVES, PHD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
The hidden struggle among patients with summer-pattern SAD demands an understanding of mental health diversity so we can ensure that every person has access to the right support system, regardless of when their individual symptoms peak.—KIRA GRAVES, PHD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
The hidden struggle among patients with summer-pattern SAD demands an understanding of mental health diversity so we can ensure that every person has access to the right support system, regardless of when their individual symptoms peak.
—KIRA GRAVES, PHD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
What Helps SAD Symptoms?
Fortunately, SAD is treatable, and symptoms can be addressed with bothlifestyle modificationsand medical treatment. SAD is a type of depression that interferes with your daily life. If you are concerned that you are experiencing symptoms of SAD, see a healthcare provider.
Lifestyle Modifications
If you have been experiencing SAD symptoms, there are lifestyle modifications that you can make to start feeling better. Because the lack of sunshine seems to be a factor in SAD, focus on spending time outdoors, even on a cloudy day. Aim to go outside daily. Wear sunscreen even in the colder months.
In addition to getting outside, schedule activities that you enjoy and see loved ones when you can. Plan healthy meals that contain wholesome foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Medical Treatment
There are proven medical treatments that are effective against SAD. Work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan. Options include:
Theories About What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder
Researchers do not know the exact cause of SAD, but certain theories and risk factors may help to explain it. Millions of people in the United States have experienced some degree of SAD, and the disorder often begins in young adulthood.
Researchers believe that people with SAD may have lowered levels of the following:
Risk factors for SAD include:
Do You Need a SAD Diagnosis to Start Treatment?
Many people with SAD have symptoms that are severe enough to affect their ability to function in their everyday lives. Contact a healthcare provider if you have been experiencing depression symptoms for more than two weeks.
While you wait to see your provider, it is possible to start addressing symptoms immediately. Plan to get outside daily (if you can) for natural sunlight. There are alsolight-therapy lampsavailable over the counter and online. Schedule activities you enjoy and see friends and family as often as possible.
If you develop any thoughts of harming yourself or others, seek immediate medical help. Call or text988to reach the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call911if in immediate danger, or go to the emergency department.
Self-Care With Seasonal Affective Disorder
Self-care strategies are an important part of SAD treatment. General depression treatment usually includes incorporating self-care strategies like reaching out to loved ones and social support. To start feeling better in the winter months, consider some of the following:
It’s best to start these self-care strategies before your symptoms start. To lower the risk of winter-pattern SAD, initiate some self-care work in early fall and keep it up throughout the winter.
Summary
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of major depressive disorder. The majority of SAD cases follow a winter pattern, and symptoms usually start in late fall or early winter. Symptoms typically include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue much of the day for two or more weeks. It is also common to sleep more than usual and no longer find pleasure in favorite activities.
Treatment options for SAD include light therapy, psychotherapy (talk therapy), antidepressant medication, and vitamin D supplements. Self-care strategies to implement include healthy meal planning, daily exercise, and getting outside as often as possible.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zhang R, Shokri-Kojori E, Volkow ND.Seasonal effect-an overlooked factor in neuroimaging research.Transl Psychiatry. 2023;13(1):238. doi:10.1038/s41398-023-02530-2MedlinePlus.Seasonal affective disorder.National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.National Institutes of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): More than the winter blues.Campbell PD, Miller AM, Woesner ME.Bright light therapy: seasonal affective disorder and beyond.Einstein J Biol Med. 2017;32:E13-E25.Costello A, Linning-Duffy K, Vandenbrook C, Lonstein JS, Yan L.Effects of bright light therapy on neuroinflammatory and neuroplasticity markers in a diurnal rodent model of Seasonal Affective Disorder.Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2249015. doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2249015Meesters Y, van Tuinen EJD, Gordijn MCM.35 years of light treatment for mental disorders in the Netherlands.Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2269574. doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2269574American Psychological Association.Seasonal affective disorder sufferers have more than just winter blues.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zhang R, Shokri-Kojori E, Volkow ND.Seasonal effect-an overlooked factor in neuroimaging research.Transl Psychiatry. 2023;13(1):238. doi:10.1038/s41398-023-02530-2MedlinePlus.Seasonal affective disorder.National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.National Institutes of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): More than the winter blues.Campbell PD, Miller AM, Woesner ME.Bright light therapy: seasonal affective disorder and beyond.Einstein J Biol Med. 2017;32:E13-E25.Costello A, Linning-Duffy K, Vandenbrook C, Lonstein JS, Yan L.Effects of bright light therapy on neuroinflammatory and neuroplasticity markers in a diurnal rodent model of Seasonal Affective Disorder.Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2249015. doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2249015Meesters Y, van Tuinen EJD, Gordijn MCM.35 years of light treatment for mental disorders in the Netherlands.Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2269574. doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2269574American Psychological Association.Seasonal affective disorder sufferers have more than just winter blues.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Zhang R, Shokri-Kojori E, Volkow ND.Seasonal effect-an overlooked factor in neuroimaging research.Transl Psychiatry. 2023;13(1):238. doi:10.1038/s41398-023-02530-2MedlinePlus.Seasonal affective disorder.National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.National Institutes of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): More than the winter blues.Campbell PD, Miller AM, Woesner ME.Bright light therapy: seasonal affective disorder and beyond.Einstein J Biol Med. 2017;32:E13-E25.Costello A, Linning-Duffy K, Vandenbrook C, Lonstein JS, Yan L.Effects of bright light therapy on neuroinflammatory and neuroplasticity markers in a diurnal rodent model of Seasonal Affective Disorder.Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2249015. doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2249015Meesters Y, van Tuinen EJD, Gordijn MCM.35 years of light treatment for mental disorders in the Netherlands.Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2269574. doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2269574American Psychological Association.Seasonal affective disorder sufferers have more than just winter blues.
Zhang R, Shokri-Kojori E, Volkow ND.Seasonal effect-an overlooked factor in neuroimaging research.Transl Psychiatry. 2023;13(1):238. doi:10.1038/s41398-023-02530-2
MedlinePlus.Seasonal affective disorder.
National Institute of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder.
National Institutes of Mental Health.Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): More than the winter blues.
Campbell PD, Miller AM, Woesner ME.Bright light therapy: seasonal affective disorder and beyond.Einstein J Biol Med. 2017;32:E13-E25.
Costello A, Linning-Duffy K, Vandenbrook C, Lonstein JS, Yan L.Effects of bright light therapy on neuroinflammatory and neuroplasticity markers in a diurnal rodent model of Seasonal Affective Disorder.Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2249015. doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2249015
Meesters Y, van Tuinen EJD, Gordijn MCM.35 years of light treatment for mental disorders in the Netherlands.Ann Med. 2023;55(2):2269574. doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2269574
American Psychological Association.Seasonal affective disorder sufferers have more than just winter blues.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
