Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year. Most people with SAD reports that their symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping their energy and making them feel moody. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer.

Signs and symptoms of SAD may include:

o Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day

o Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed

o Having low energy

o Having problems with sleeping

o Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight

o Feeling sluggish or agitated

o Having difficulty concentrating

o Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty

o Having frequent thoughts of death or suicide

Fall and winter SAD

Symptoms specific to winter-onset SAD, sometimes called winter depression, may include:

o Oversleeping

o Appetite changes, especially a craving for foods high in carbohydrates

o Weight gain

o Tiredness or low energy

Spring and summer SAD

Symptoms specific to summer-onset seasonal affective disorder, sometimes called summer depression, may include:

o Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

o Poor appetite

o Weight loss

o Agitation or anxiety

Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a seasonal funk that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

When to seek help

It's normal to have some days when you feel down. But if you feel down for days at a time and you can't get motivated to do activities you normally enjoy, see your doctor or counselor. This is especially important if your sleep patterns and appetite have changed, you turn to alcohol for comfort or relaxation, or you feel hopeless or think about suicide.