Seasonal Affective Disorder

SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mental health diagnosis that describes depression, mania or hypomania attributed to the change of seasons. The most common form of SAD is depression in the fall or winter. The days are getting shorter and colder. The sun is lower in the sky. The decreased light is suspected of being a primary cause of SAD, but the exact cause is unknown. The reduction in light causes lower serotonin levels. Sometimes called the happiness hormone, serotonin stabilizes mood, feelings of well-being and happiness. With lower serotonin levels, the decreased sunlight can also impact your body’s melatonin levels and circadian rhythm (or biological clock). Disrupted melatonin and your internal clock impacts sleep. Poor sleep causes depressed mood. SAD is more common in women and people who live far from the equator.

Symptoms of SAD include:

• Depressed mood or feeling down, depressed or hopeless

• Loss of pleasure or interest in things

• Increased or decreased appetite

• Sleep issues, either too little or too much

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Problems with cognition, memory or concentration

• Physically being in slow motion or restless, cannot sit still

• Feeling bad about yourself or guilty

• Thoughts of harming yourself or that you would be better off dead

These symptoms are also the same as symptoms of depression. If left untreated, SAD can progress into major depression which can have numerous effects on your health. Treatment can include prescription antidepressants, counseling or light therapy. Additionally, good sleep hygiene, daily exercise outside in the fresh air (no matter the weather), good indoor lighting and dawn simulation are other steps that can be taken to manage SAD.

If you are feeling down or depressed, seek treatment from your medical provider.

This winter will be especially hard. The COVID-19 pandemic has added stress in many ways and made us more isolated. It is easy to feel depressed and alone. There is always help at the National Suicide Hotline by calling 800-273-8255 or chat with someone online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Kate Bender is a dual-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Nurse Practitioner. She knows, firsthand, life is messy and hard. Sometimes people need support and help from a professional. When working with Kate, your mental health will be compassionately addressed in a manner that honors your mind, body, and spirit. She lives with her family on the shoreline in Old Saybrook, Connecticut.