Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) makes the darker months feel much more depressing for many people. It involves more than feeling disappointed that summer has ended, with symptoms affecting your work, relationships, physical health, and ability to manage daily responsibilities.
You may lose energy, struggle to focus, sleep more, or pull away from people and activities you normally cherish. These changes don’t reflect laziness or a lack of willpower; in fact, they could indicate you have a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern.
At Labyrinth Psychiatry Group, we help patients understand the changes SAD causes and find treatments that fit their symptoms. With the right support, you’ll no longer have to dread the change of seasons and will be able to lead a healthy, happy life.
SAD is a type of depression that returns during a particular season. Most people develop symptoms during fall or winter, when daylight hours grow shorter, but some people experience a less common summer pattern. Recent studies indicate that winter SAD affects around 5% of the population, while summer-type SAD affects 0.57%.
Researchers haven’t identified a single cause of SAD, but it seems likely that changes in daylight disrupt patients’ body clocks, sleep-wake cycles, and/or the brain chemicals that affect mood. Personal history, family history, location, and other health factors also shape your risk.
SAD can vary from one person to another, but common symptoms include:
Winter-pattern SAD may also cause carbohydrate cravings, increased appetite, and social withdrawal.
You might initially blame your symptoms on holiday stress, cold weather, or a busy schedule. A repeating pattern offers an important clue, so consider whether similar changes occur around the same time each year and whether symptoms improve as the season changes.
At Labyrinth Psychiatry Group, we start by listening. We ask when your symptoms began, how they affect your life, and whether they’ve followed a seasonal pattern over the past few years. We’ll also review your:
This careful evaluation matters because thyroid problems, sleep disorders, medication effects, bipolar disorder, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms. An accurate diagnosis helps us recommend safe, effective care.
We tailor treatment to your needs instead of forcing your symptoms into a standard formula, so your SAD care plan may combine several approaches. These could include:
A light box mimics outdoor light and may help reset your body’s daily rhythm. Many people use one in the morning during fall and winter. However, timing, brightness, eye health, medications, and bipolar symptoms can affect the safety of using a light box. Talk with us before starting light therapy rather than choosing a lamp and using it on your own.
Talk therapy helps you challenge negative thought patterns, plan meaningful activities, manage stress, and reduce withdrawal. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) adapted for SAD can also help you prepare for future seasons.
Antidepressants can often reduce SAD symptoms and help prevent recurring episodes. We consider your health history, current medications, side-effect concerns, and your response to previous treatment before recommending medication.
When depression continues despite medication and psychotherapy, we may discuss transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or esketamine nasal spray if appropriate. TMS and esketamine have proved helpful in depression cases that are resistant to standard approaches.
Healthy routines also support professional care, so try to:
These habits help, but they don’t replace treatment when depression disrupts your life.
You don’t have to lose several months each year to low mood, exhaustion, or isolation. Early support reduces the impact of SAD on your work, relationships, and well-being, and can also help you prevent symptoms from returning next season.
If you think seasonal affective disorder may be impacting your mental health, contact Labyrinth Psychiatry Group. We’ll help you understand what’s happening and build a thoughtful treatment plan. Call our Cranford or Edison, New Jersey, office, or complete the online form to learn how you can benefit from our expertise in seasonal affective disorder.
