Seasonal Affective Disorder: Experts on Symptoms, Treatment

While some people associate winter with coziness and cheer, the colder months don’t feel quite as festive for everyone. For some, the darker days and colder weather can serve as a trigger for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). You may have heard of SAD also referred to as “seasonal depression,” typically setting in during the fall and winter months — times when your circadian rhythm is thrown off by the dreary weather. As the days grow shorter, the temperature gets colder, and the weather seems gloomier, it’s unsurprising that some people may feel the effects. In fact, research suggests that up to 30 percent of people with depression or bipolar disorder notice different symptoms when the seasons change. But SAD is more than the winter blues — it’s a serious mental health condition.

If you’re still curious about SAD, or worried you may have it yourself, we asked experts what seasonal affective disorder is, what causes seasonal affective disorder, and what you can do to treat it. Read on for expert-approved advice that’ll help you identify and alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder — because no one deserves to suffer through the season alone.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Kenneth Yeager, PhD, LISW-S, LICDC, is a clinical professor at Ohio State University, and director of the Stress Trauma and Resilience (STAR) program.

Bradley Seymour, PhD, is an associate teaching professor of psychology at Syracuse University.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression, is a form of depression tied to the changing of the seasons. According to the Mayo Clinic, most people with SAD start experiencing symptoms in the early fall, and all through the winter. SAD can also affect people in the spring or summer, but this is much less common.

Causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder

While there isn’t one agreed-upon cause for SAD, chemical imbalances linked to general depression (low levels of serotonin, glutamate, GABA, etc.) may also be tied to seasonal depression. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, decreased sun exposure in the winter months may contribute to lower serotonin and increased melatonin. Another theory is that disruptions to your body’s circadian rhythm (biological clock), may lead to changes in your overall mood.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Much like general depression, SAD can impact everyone differently. That said, it’s most often characterized by symptoms like:

Seasonal Affective Disorder Treatments

If you notice the seasonal shift taking a toll on your mental health, there are some ways to alleviate symptoms. Ahead, mental health professionals share some expert-approved strategies to help you feel more like yourself — even when the days start looking a little gloomier — featuring foods to eat, products to try, and small lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your daily routine. As a note, if you find yourself needing additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health care provider who can give you more personalized medical advice and help you better manage SAD.

Dominique Michelle Astorino is a former PS contributor.

Tamara Pridgett was the associate editor for PS Fitness. Likes: box jumps, chai lattes, and sprinting. She’s a NASM-certified personal trainer and a Precision Nutrition level 1 coach. She’s also a Division 1 All-American sprinter.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.