Seasonal Depression — Causes, Related Conditions & Affordable Treatment
Seasonal Depression can be associated with multiple conditions. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Affordable Treatment Options
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About Seasonal Depression
As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, many of us notice a shift in our mood and energy. If these feelings become persistent and impact your daily life, you might be experiencing seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Recognizing these symptoms is the first step towards feeling better, and thankfully, effective and affordable treatment options are available.
The information above is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.
MedlinePlus overview of Seasonal Depression
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. It usually starts in the late fall and early winter and goes away during the spring and summer. Some people do have episodes of depression that start in the spring or summer, but that is a lot less common. Symptoms of SAD may include:
Sadness
Gloomy outlook
Feeling hopeless, worthless, and irritable
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Low energy
Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Carbohydrate cravings and weight gain
Thoughts of death or suicide
SAD is more common in women, young people, and those who live far from the equator. You are also more likely to have SAD if you or your family members have depression.
The exact causes of SAD are unknown. Researchers have found that people with SAD may have an imbalance of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects your mood. Their bodies also make too much melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, and not enough vitamin D.
The main treatment for SAD is light therapy. The idea behind light therapy is to replace the sunshine that you miss during the fall and winter months. You sit in front of a light therapy box every morning to get daily exposure to bright, artificial light. But some people with SAD do not respond to light therapy alone. Antidepressant medicines and talk therapy can reduce SAD symptoms, either alone or combined with light therapy.
NIH: National Institute of Mental Health
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus topic page. Topic date: 01/27/2003. MedlinePlus file date: 10/15/2026 02:30:37.
This information is educational and is not medical advice.