Season depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, is a type of depression that is triggered by the changes of seasons and occurs most commonly in late fall (Clevand, 2022). Many people go through short periods when they feel sad or unlike themselves. Many people describe this as “feeling down” or “winter blues” (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Fear not, we are here to help you know the signs of seasonal affective disorder.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) impacts about 5% of adults in the U.S. (Cleveland, 2022).

The specific causes are unknown; however, there are many factors that play into SAD.

Researchers are still determining what causes SAD; however, researchers have determined that winter-pattern SAD has reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). SAD is common in those with depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).

SAD is particularly prevalent in locations that see reduced levels of sunlight in the fall and winter. This decrease in sunlight can disrupt your internal clock and lead to symptoms of depression. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that impacts your mood. A drop in serotonin might play a role in SAD. Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in serotonin that may trigger symptoms of depression. The change in season can disrupt the balance of the body's level of melatonin, which plays a role in sleep patterns and mood. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2021). Vitamin C and D deficiencies have been linked to SAD (Jahan-Mihan et al., 2024).

What are the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD consists of depressive symptoms that develop and resolve with the changing of the seasons; most often coming on during the fall and winter and easing during the spring and summer months (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2021). Here are some of the most common symptoms of SAD according to Johns Hopkins Medicine:

• Increased sleep and daytime drowsiness
• Lost of interests and pleasure in activities you may have once enjoyed
• Social withdrawal
• Grouchiness and anxiety
• Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
• Decreased sex drive
• Trouble thinking clearly
• Weight gain
• Physical problems

How Can You Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Though actual results are inconsistent, many practitioners believe that vitamin B, C, and D supplements, as well as exposure to sunlight (artificial or natural), can ease the symptoms of SAD (Jahan-Mihan et al., 2024).

Just like with non-seasonal depression, therapy can help to seek support and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with the seasonal changes (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2021). Here at Wilmington Mental Health, we have a team of counselors who are here to help you manage seasonal depression.

Our counselors will help guide you through your symptoms and emotions to help manage your symptoms due to seasonal affective disorder. We work closely with you to discuss any stressors and anxieties and provide coping skills and feedback to improve your overall mental well-being. With the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, this will help change the distorted views you may have of yourself and the environment around you (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2025).

There are also things that you can do for yourself to help ease some of the symptoms:

• Set realistic goals for yourself in the light of depression—don’t take on too much, break large tasks into smaller ones, set priorities, and do as much as you can.
• Interact with your social support network.
• Do activities or hobbies that can make you feel better—go to a movie, take part in a social event, do a puzzle, or do something nice for someone else.
• Get regular exercise and eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Try to be patient and focus on the positives–especially with yourself.