Seasons of Depression

As leaves change color and days grow shorter, seasonal depression can start affecting some individuals. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression with seasonal patterns, often begins in young adulthood and becomes more likely with age, especially for those aged 18 to 30. An estimated 5% of adults in the U.S. experience SAD, with higher rates among people assigned female at birth. Risk factors include having another mood disorder, family history of SAD or other mental health conditions, living far from the equator, or residing in cloudy regions, all of which can increase susceptibility. There are two types of SAD: winter depression and summer depression. Winter depression occurs during the late fall to early winter months. Summer depression is less prevalent, with symptoms starting in late spring to early summer.

Seasonal Depression Symptoms

• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Feeling hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Fatigue
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• Issues with sleeping (oversleeping)
• Irritability
• Thoughts of suicide or death

Those who experience summer seasonal depression may also experience:

• Insomnia
• Decreased appetite
• Violent outbursts

While the exact cause of seasonal depression remains unclear, several theories link it to reduced sunlight and shorter winter days. Shorter days disrupt the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which affects mood, sleep, and hormone levels. Neurotransmitters, brain chemicals, including melatonin and serotonin, can become imbalanced. As winter brings longer periods of darkness, melatonin (a sleep-related hormone) increases, which may may contribute to sluggishness and fatigue. Sunlight and vitamin D help stimulate the production of serotonin (a mood-related hormone); therefore, vitamin D deficiency and reduced sun exposure can impact serotonin levels and mood. Additionally, those with SAD may also experience negative thoughts associated to the season, though it’s unclear if these thoughts are a cause or a result of the condition.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation. They may refer you to a mental health professional, as SAD can sometimes be part of a broader mental health condition. Additionally, if you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or needs immediate help, dial 988 for free, confidential support.

Sources:

• Cleveland Clinic
• John Hopkins Medicine