Medical Review by Heidi Moawad
Summary
- SAD is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, often starting in fall or winter and improving by spring or summer.
- Symptoms include oversleeping, carb cravings, social withdrawal, sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Serious signs like substance abuse or suicidal thoughts require urgent care.
- Early treatment helps manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and address related conditions like anxiety or bipolar disorder.
- Consulting a healthcare provider and communicating honestly with them is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment tailored to your needs.
Understanding the signs of seasonal affective disorder & finding the help you need
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes. It usually begins in the fall or winter when daylight hours are shorter and typically improves by spring or early summer. You might feel more tired, struggle to focus, or notice a drop in your mood during these darker months.
SAD occurs when a change of seasons disrupts your body’s internal clock, also known as your circadian rhythm. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, factors like reduced sunlight, hormonal changes, light sensitivity, and genetics are all thought to contribute.
In the general population, SAD affects up to 3% of people—but if you have major depressive disorder, your risk increases to 10–20%. For those with bipolar disorder, it’s even higher, affecting around 25%.
Recognizing the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder is the first step toward managing it effectively. In this article, we’ll explore the most common symptoms and signs that symptoms may be serious. This can help you make informed decisions about your mental health and seek expert guidance from a healthcare professional.
Common symptoms of seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can cause a range of symptoms that impact your daily life. These symptoms include typical signs of depression, along with unique ones specific to SAD.
Related: Understanding depression disorders: the good, the bad, & what you need to know
Specific symptoms of SAD
Oversleeping
When you have SAD, the shorter, darker winter days can throw off your body’s circadian rhythm, disrupting your sleep schedule. The reduced light triggers your body to produce too much melatonin, the hormone that makes you feel sleepy. This can leave you feeling tired during the day, cause oversleeping at night (hypersomnia), and disrupt your overall sleep patterns.
Overeating (especially carbohydrates)
If you have seasonal affective disorder, you might find yourself eating more and craving carbohydrates. This happens because SAD affects two key brain chemicals: serotonin and dopamine. Low serotonin levels impact your mood, sleep, and appetite, while reduced dopamine can increase cravings and make you feel hungrier.
Social withdrawal
If you have seasonal affective disorder, you may withdraw from social activities and relationships. A low mood and feeling tired can make it hard to feel interested in connecting with others. This social isolation can make you feel even lonelier and make depressive symptoms worse.
General symptoms of depression that occur in SAD
- A persistent sad or anxious mood
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- A loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Fatigue
- Difficulty with concentration, memory & decision-making
Serious conditions linked to seasonal affective disorder
While all symptoms of SAD are important, it can lead to several other serious health risks that require professional medical support. These include:
- Substance abuse: Some people may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their SAD symptoms, which can worsen mood, cloud judgment, and could lead to addiction.
- Suicidal thoughts: Feelings of hopelessness and despair may escalate to suicidal thoughts without appropriate intervention. Any risk of suicide should be addressed immediately, requiring close monitoring and possibly hospitalization.
When to seek professional help
Appropriate medical support can be important for dealing with SAD. Left untreated, this disorder has the potential to affect both your mental and physical health. Early treatment can help you manage your symptoms better, improve your quality of life, and give you the tools to cope more effectively.
What to expect during a medical consultation
During your consultation, your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They’ll use guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to evaluate your condition. Tools like the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ) may also be used to better understand your symptoms.
Your provider will ask questions like:
- What mental and physical symptoms are you experiencing?
- How long have these symptoms been happening?
- How long do they last?
- How do they affect your daily life?
Since several serious mental health conditions like major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder are also known risk factors for SAD, your provider will also look for signs of these—as well as other related conditions like alcohol abuse, anxiety disorders, or eating disorders.
Being open and honest about your symptoms will help your provider give you the best possible care and lead to an accurate diagnosis, which is the first step toward effective treatment.
Get your mental health back on track with Lemonaid Health
If you or someone you know may be showing signs or symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, reach out to a healthcare provider for help as soon as possible. Working with a qualified medical professional is the best way to develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective for you.
Our team at Lemonaid Health can help. Find support for seasonal affective disorder with a qualified US-based health professional who can help you understand your symptoms and find appropriate solutions—including FDA-approved medication in clinically indicated cases.
