As the calendar flips to fall and then winter, the days grow shorter and, for most of the country, the temperatures drop. As a result, many people find themselves feeling less energized, less motivated, and more down than usual. While, for the most part, these feelings can be fleeting, coming and going in short bursts, for others, these feelings can linger to the point where they directly impact their ability to go about their daily lives.
This is what’s known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.
While SAD is a very real, diagnosable mental health condition, far too many people continue to dismiss the condition, claiming it’s a myth or just an excuse for feeling down during the winter. So, whether you are someone who still thinks that SAD is just a “fad” or you know someone who does, or you simply want to know more about the condition and how you can get help for it, keep reading because in this blog, we are going to debunk the question of is seasonal disorder a myth, take a look at who is most at risk, and go over some of the treatment options available.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Before we get into why Seasonal Affective Disorder is a very real thing, though, let’s first discuss what exactly it is.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that follows a recurring seasonal pattern. Most often, it emerges in the late fall or winter and subsides in the spring or summer when daylight hours increase. While not nearly as common, there have also been instances of what is essentially a reverse SAD, where people experience those depressive symptoms in the warmer months of spring and summer.
SAD is classified as a major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This means it shares many of the same symptoms as depression but is distinguished by its seasonal recurrence.
While many people just assume that SAD is nothing more than just the “winter blues”, when left untreated, it can significantly interfere with the person’s ability to go about their daily lives, affecting their overall health and well-being.
Why Some People Think SAD Is a Myth
Despite its recognition in the DSM-5, there are still too many people out there who don’t believe that SAD is a real mental health condition.
Some of the more common reasons why people still think that Seasonal Affective Disorder is a myth include:
- Confusion with the “winter blues” – Many people feel slightly down during dark, cold months. Critics argue that labeling this as a disorder pathologizes normal seasonal mood changes.
- Cultural differences – In some cultures, seasonal variations in mood aren’t recognized in the same way. This fuels debate about whether SAD is truly universal or a Western concept.
- Media sensationalism – Headlines and lifestyle magazines often oversimplify SAD, presenting it as little more than feeling gloomy when the sun goes away. This can make it seem like an exaggeration rather than a real mental health condition.
The Science Behind Seasonal Depression
To fully understand why SAD is so real, it’s important to understand the biology and psychology behind the condition. Years of research have identified several key factors in the development of Seasonal Affective Disorder, such as:
- Light Exposure and Circadian Rhythm – Reduced daylight in fall and winter disrupts the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm. This misalignment can contribute to feelings of depression, fatigue, and sleep problems.
- Melatonin Production – Darkness triggers the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Longer nights mean increased melatonin production, which can cause oversleeping and lethargy in those with SAD.
- Serotonin Levels – Less sunlight has been linked to reduced serotonin activity in the brain, contributing to depressive symptoms.
- Vitamin D Deficiency – Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which plays a role in serotonin activity. Lower vitamin D levels during the winter months may worsen depressive symptoms.
- Genetic and Environmental Factors – Studies suggest that some people are genetically predisposed to depression or seasonal mood changes.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder
While Seasonal Affective Disorder does share many of the symptoms associated with major depression, these symptoms are seasonally based. Some of the common symptoms of SAD include:
- Persistent low mood or sadness
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Fatigue or low energy despite adequate sleep
- Oversleeping
- Changes in appetite, especially cravings for carbohydrates or sweets
- Weight gain during the winter months
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Social withdrawal or isolation
For those with summer-pattern SAD, symptoms may include insomnia, weight loss, restlessness, and increased irritability.
Who’s Most at Risk for SAD?
While SAD can affect anyone, the person’s location can play a major role. For example, those living in southern states that traditionally have a warmer climate year-round may not experience SAD in the same way as those in colder climates would.
Some other risk factors that may make a person more susceptible to SAD include:
- Gender – Women are diagnosed with SAD more frequently than men, though men often experience more severe symptoms when they are affected.
- Age – Younger adults are more likely to develop SAD than older adults.
- Family history – Having relatives with depression or bipolar disorder increases risk.
- Existing mental health conditions – People with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder are more prone to SAD.
- Occupational or lifestyle factors – Individuals who spend little time outdoors or work long hours indoors without access to natural light may be more susceptible.
Effective Treatments for SAD
As we touched on earlier, the good news is that if you have SAD, it is treatable. Some of the effective evidence-based treatments and interventions for addressing SAD include:
- Light Therapy – Light therapy involves sitting near a special lamp that mimics natural sunlight. Daily sessions can help regulate circadian rhythms and boost serotonin levels.
- Psychotherapy – Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) tailored for SAD has been shown to be effective in changing negative thought patterns and developing coping strategies.
- Medication – Antidepressants may help regulate mood in people with SAD.
- Vitamin D Supplements – Supplements can improve mood and reduce symptoms.
- Overall Lifestyle Changes – Spending more time outdoors and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule are a few of the things you can do to help mitigate symptoms.
- Dawn Stimulators – These devices gradually increase light in the morning to mimic sunrise, helping regulate sleep-wake cycles
Is Seasonal Affective Disorder a Myth? No, It’s Real, And So Is the Help Available
At Peak Mental Health, we understand that Seasonal Affective Disorder is not just a cultural phenomenon or an excuse for winter blues; it is a recognized and treatable mental health condition. If you or someone you know struggles with depression that follows a seasonal pattern, you are not imagining it, and you are not alone.
To learn more about how we can help you with your Seasonal Affective Disorder, contact us today.
