Plagued by Winter Blues? When to Seek Help for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

There are those among us who can’t wait for the first snowfall and live for days spent blanketed in frosty white. Others find that winter is their least favorite time of year, and yearn for the first signs of spring. 

There are also people who experience significant mental health declines during the winter months, a condition called seasonal affective disorder, aptly abbreviated as SAD.

At Greenwich Avenue Psychiatry, we offer treatment for the full scope of mental health needs, including seasonal affective disorder. We encourage you to learn more about this condition to understand better when it might be time to seek help for yourself or a loved one.

Seasonal affective disorder is a serious issue

Often called the “winter blues,” seasonal affective disorder is a mental health condition. It’s not something to be brushed aside or taken lightly. People who experience SAD go through a range of mood changes and other symptoms that interfere with their quality of life. 

SAD is a form of depression and deserves close attention. Researchers aren’t sure of the exact cause of SAD. However, it’s believed that changes in the weather and reduced sunlight exposure shift your circadian rhythm. This change can affect your wake-sleep cycle and hormone levels. 

Reduced sunlight can cause your natural serotonin levels to decline. This is one of the hormones responsible for mood regulation. Melatonin might also be affected, potentially altering your sleep patterns and mood. 

Signs of seasonal affective disorder

Symptoms of SAD can include:

• Ongoing lack of energy and feeling sluggish
• Feeling down or sad for much of the day, on most days
• Sleeping more than usual
• Difficulty concentrating
• Overeating and subsequent weight gain
• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed

These symptoms are seasonal, beginning in the fall when the days get shorter and the weather starts to cool. SAD tends to worsen significantly in the winter and improves gradually as the days get longer and spring arrives. 

While significantly less common, some people experience similar symptoms during the warmer months and find relief in colder months. 

Seasonal affective disorder is a treatable condition

If the symptoms discussed above feel familiar, you should know that there are effective treatments for SAD. 

It’s important to begin with a thorough diagnostic assessment to rule out other causes and better understand your physical and mental health needs. Thyroid dysfunction, for example, can create similar symptoms. 

Light therapy is one way to address the symptoms of SAD. This therapy involves a device called a light therapy box. The device emits a bright light that mimics sunlight. You simply sit near the device, working or relaxing, for about 30 minutes each day. Light therapy seems to be particularly effective for people who develop SAD symptoms in the fall.

Talk therapy is also a good way to combat the changes brought on by SAD. Working with a skilled therapist helps you learn how to change negative thought patterns and behaviors that can complicate SAD. You can also work on stress management skills. 

For some, medication is an effective option for managing SAD. Antidepressants can go a long way toward boosting your mood, but it takes time for the results to develop, so patience is key. You may need to begin drug therapy well in advance of winter and continue it into the warmer months. 

Ready to learn more about seasonal affective disorder?

Our team strives to meet all patients where they are in their personal mental health journey. We understand that SAD is more than just the winter blues, and believe you deserve to feel stable and secure, no matter the time of year. 

Booking a visit is as easy as a phone call. We also offer online booking, allowing you to explore appointment availability at a time that works for you.