Why you might feel sad around the same time every year: seasonal affective disorder

Has winter ever come around, and you anticipate being more blue than normal because you’ve felt that way around this time every year? It might not be just because of the weather, but something much more common: seasonal affective disorder, or aptly put, SAD.

SAD not only occurs in the winter but also has a summer counterpart, although it is less common. These variations of SAD have slightly different symptoms, as the winter SAD includes feelings of listlessness, low energy, oversleeping, weight gain, difficulty concentrating, and even suicidal thoughts, and the summer SAD includes trouble sleeping, poor appetite, weight loss, anxiety, and increased irritability. 

People with pre-existing disorders such as depression, bipolar disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, or panic disorders are at a greater risk for SAD. SAD can also be genetically inherited, and is common for those who have relatives with schizophrenia or depression.

A lack of sunlight can induce winter-pattern SAD. Research suggests that sunlight affects the levels of molecules that help to maintain serotonin levels, which is a vital factor in being in a good mood. People who live in more northern areas are more prone to have SAD because of reduced amounts of sunlight. For everyone else, the shorter daylight hours that come with daylight saving time can also contribute to SAD. Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate these problems in people with winter-pattern SAD, as vitamin D is believed to promote serotonin activity, which is hindered by a lack of sunlight. 

For summer-pattern SAD, research suggests that increased melatonin levels are to blame. The long, hot days of the summer can worsen sleep, which can lead to depression if not accounted for. Sleep disruptions have also been suggested as contributors to summer-pattern SAD, although not systematically tested. Longer daylight hours, resulting in shorter nights coupled with higher temperatures, can greatly affect sleep quality and disruptions. 

SAD is not just “holiday blues”, but a real mental disorder that affects the lives of many. To get treated for SAD, seek out treatment and professionals who can provide help. There are several different treatments to combat SAD, such as light therapy (phototherapy), psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications. Depression and SAD are closely linked, and antidepressants can also treat SAD when used as directed. Antidepressants alter the way the brain produces or causes certain chemicals that affect mood. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved bupropion, an antidepressant, in an extended-release form to last longer in the body. For many, bupropion helps to reduce seasonal depression episodes when taken daily. To learn more about any of these treatments, seek a licensed professional.

Sources 

"Seasonal Affective Disorder." National Institute of Mental Health, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder#part_6688. Accessed 21 Sept. 2024.

"Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)." Mayo Clinic, 14 Dec. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651. Accessed 21 Sept. 2024.