Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that happens only at a certain time of year. With SAD, people tend to become depressed in fall or winter, when days are shorter and it gets dark earlier. 

As with other kinds of depression, SAD can lead to:

Mood changes. 

Negative thinking.

Lack of enjoyment..

Low energy. 

Changes in sleep.

Changes in eating.

Trouble focusing. 

Suicidal thoughts.

These symptoms tend to happen only during the time of year when there are fewer hours of daylight. The exact cause of SAD isn't clear, but it may be that some people react differently to fewer hours of daylight.

Daylight affects two chemicals in the brain: serotonin and melatonin. When it’s sunny, the brain makes more serotonin. High levels boost feelings of happiness and well-being. Low levels lead to depression. When it's dark, the brain also makes more melatonin. High levels cause you to feel sleepy and have less energy.

Talk with your provider if you think you have SAD. If you are diagnosed with SAD, your Phillips provider doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments:

More Light Exposure

Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

Talk Therapy

Medication

If you are diagnosed with SAD, start by talking about it. Ask you provider about treatments and supportive therapies

Get plenty of exercise, especially outdoors.

Spend time with others in ways that don't require much energy, like watching a movie.

Be patient because it may take time for symptoms to improve.

Go to bed and get up at the same time each day to get the most daytime light.

If you are diagnosed SAD, remember it’s seasonal. So even though it could happen each year, there are things that help if it does.