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Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, primarily affects people who live where winters are overcast and bleak and the sun shines very little for 5 or 6 months out of the year. Under these somber conditions some people’s brains produce an excess of melatonin, the substance which causes sleep. Because of this, people who suffer from SAD have trouble waking up in the mornings and trouble staying awake during the day.  They feel listless and tired all the time and life seems to lose its meaning. 

Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

For most people who suffer from SAD, symptoms start in late Fall or early Winter, when the amount of daylight begins to drop each day, and the symptoms begin disappearing in early Spring as the days become warmer and the sun shines longer each day.  Symptoms include:

• Oversleeping
• Lack of interest in day-to-day activities
• Cravings for foods high in carbohydrates
• Weight gain
• Anxiety
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Depression
• Wanting to isolate oneself from friends and family
• Problems concentrating and performing tasks

In some rare individuals SAD manifests itself in just the opposite way – in other words, a few SAD patients exhibit manic or even hyperactive behavior during overcast and sunless periods.  This condition is known as reverse SAD.

Causes of Seasonal Depression

Researchers have not pinpointed a specific cause of seasonal depression at this time.  There are, however, several factors which they do know can contribute to SAD.  Each individual has a unique body chemistry and most researchers theorize that body chemistry plays a large role in determining whether an individual will be affected by the change in seasons. 

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s natural internal clock that tells you when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to become active.  Changes in the seasons may disrupt the circadian rhythms of some individuals, causing depression.

As days become darker and there is less and less sunlight the brain automatically increases its output of melatonin, a natural hormone that causes sleep.  This excess melatonin has been linked to SAD in many suffers.

The lack of sunlight in winter also causes a drop in the body’s production of serotonin, a chemical that affects moods.  Many researchers believe that it is this drop in the amount of serotonin in the bloodstream that causes depressive mood swings in those suffering from SAD.

Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Mild cases of SAD may be treated by the individual simply by spending more time outdoors and sitting near windows as much as possible during sunny periods.  However, more severe cases of SAD may require other measures.  One effective way of controlling SAD is through the use of a bright light box.  This is a device that produces an intense white light, much like that of the sun.  Sad suffers are seated in front of the box and allow the light to enter their eyes.  The effectiveness of light therapy has not been proven in clinical trials and is therefore not approved as a treatment by the Food and Drug Administration but has nevertheless been shown to be effective for many people.

Some severe cases of seasonal depression may also be treated with antidepressant drugs and psychotherapy. Your doctor will make those determinations based on the severity of your symptoms, your family history, your general overall health, as well as other factors. 

Don’t think that seasonal depression isn’t serious.  If you feel that you or someone you know is suffering from SAD, consult a doctor immediately and get started on a treatment program to ease your suffering.

TSC Sources & Recommended Resources

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• Myths About SAD
• Treatment Options for SAD

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