Is it the Autumn Blues or Something More? Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

If you can’t get enough of the sun and fun of summer, you might not be as excited at the thought of falling leaves and pumpkin spice lattes. 

The changes of seasons can bring some people down, but how do you know if it’s just a temporary longing for the longer days and warmth you’ve grown accustomed to or something more concerning?

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to the onset of winter. It’s a very real condition, and by seeking treatment, you can alleviate its symptoms and tolerate the transition from fall to winter with more resiliency.

Our provider team at Clarity Psychiatric Care offers safe and effective treatment for SAD. We understand the complexities of depression and a wide range of mental health conditions and are committed to designing a treatment plan that’s unique to your situation and needs.

What are the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

SAD symptoms typically occur when the trees are bare and the sun sets early. When a person is affected by SAD, they:

• Feel depressed
• Feel tired, even if they get plenty of sleep
• Experience appetite changes, typically eating more and wanting to eat carbohydrates
• Notice a lack of interest in things they once enjoyed doing
• Have speech and movements that become slowed
• Have a hard time making decisions
• Experience problems focusing
• Feel guilty
• May become fidgety
• Have lowered self-esteem
• May feel suicidal

Although most people are affected by winter onset SAD, some have the reverse and notice symptoms as winter transitions to spring and summer. These symptoms can be a bit different and include insomnia, loss of appetite and weight, anxiety, and irritability.

If you can identify with these symptoms, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s estimated that about 5% of Americans are affected by SAD, and four out of five of them are women. Furthermore, people with bipolar disorder have an increased risk of being diagnosed with SAD. 

Though we haven’t cracked a definitive cause of SAD, some factors involved may include the fact that less sunlight may interfere with your internal clock and cause depression and lower serotonin levels. 

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that impacts your mood, and again, reduced sunlight is the culprit. Additionally, seasonal change can disrupt melatonin levels — the hormone that influences your sleep patterns and your mood. 

What treatments are available for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

At Clarity Psychiatric Care, your provider may treat your SAD with a combination of therapies and tools, including:

• GenSight testing that analyzes your DNA’s influence on psychotropic medication metabolism
• Medication therapy
• Counseling
• Lifestyle changes related to nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep
• Increased sun exposure, either outside (using proper protection) or via a light box

With appropriate treatment, you can make it through the change of seasons feeling more centered, stronger, and positive.

Contact our Cherry Hill office at 856-428-1260, or you can book an appointment online.