Seasonal Affective Disorder, often appropriately abbreviated as SAD, is a subtype of major depressive disorder that occurs on a seasonal basis. Typically, it coincides with the fall and winter months as temperatures drop and daylight hours wane, with early sunsets and cold days making people feel cooped up indoors. In nature, winter is a season for resting and recuperation. But in our modern world, the hustle and bustle of everyday life does not come to a halt when cold weather strikes. Unfortunately, this can make getting by difficult for those who struggle with SAD.
As much of the East Coast is blanketed with snow and Arctic temperatures abound, our team at Triumph Behavioral Health thought it would be the perfect time to dive deeper into the ins and outs of Seasonal Affective Disorder. We will discuss what this condition means, how to combat its effects, and why February is a key time when many people suffer from this diagnosis.
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that recurs according to a seasonal pattern. It typically begins in the late fall and winter, and it can continue into February or even March, especially depending on the weather. For many people, SAD occurs for about four or five months out of the year, and it reoccurs every time the late fall and winter months hit. While SAD is a real diagnosis, you may have also heard other nicknames for the condition, including the “winter blues,” which is a colloquialism to describe the same thing.
Key Facts to Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder
Here are some central facts that might resonate with you if you are struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter months.
It happens in a seasonal pattern. As the name suggests, SAD typically occurs during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. It is connected to reduced daylight hours, meaning that many people get less Vitamin D and enjoy less time outdoors.
Symptoms are similar to depression. Remember, SAD is a subtype of major depressive disorder. That means that there is significant overlap between the symptoms of depression and the symptoms of SAD. Our providers typically see signs such as loss of interest in regular activities, weight loss or gain, oversleeping or sleep disruptions, and more.
SAD is actually very common. If you are struggling with seasonal depression, you are not alone. The prevalence of SAD also varies depending on geographic location, as certain parts of the globe (those closer to its poles) get significantly less sunlight during the winter months.
Social isolation is a likely symptom. One of the biggest dangers of SAD is its tendency to provoke social isolation. Leaning into our communities and finding connections with other humans is actually one of the best ways to break out of depressive patterns. However, with conditions like SAD, people often find themselves self-isolating. This can make it harder to find the joy and spark in your life, making SAD even more profoundly challenging.
Why Is February the Worst Month for Seasonal Depression?
As we now know, seasonal depression (also abbreviated as SAD) often begins in the late fall months and continues until the onset of spring. So, why is it that February is often identified as a peak for those experiencing SAD symptoms.
Well, in the later months of the year, holiday festivities and social gatherings related to these events can provide relief from SAD symptoms. They also give individuals something to focus on and work toward, such as Christmas shopping, a Thanksgiving meal, or a meaningful Hanukkah celebration. After the holidays wind to a close, the new year begins with a spirit of refreshment and optimism. We set New Year’s resolutions and focus on renewal and even rebirth.
However, all of this excitement and hubbub eventually does die down, typically toward the middle and end of January. Then, we find ourselves with another month (or more) before longer days and warmer temperatures return. As such, February can feel like a lull in social lives and a tough month that takes some grit to get through.
Remember, if you are experiencing any symptoms of seasonal depression, it is never too soon to get help. Speaking with a professional mental health provider about your experiences is a great way to better understand the challenges you are dealing with and find a pathway to treatment that works for you. Here at Triumph Behavioral Health, our licensed specialists work with you to identify the best path forward for your unique needs. We have a robust staff of PMHNPs, counselors, and more who are here to help those in the Baltimore County region, including Arbutus, Linthicum Heights, Catonsville, Baltimore City, Towson, and other areas.
How to Treat Seasonal Depression
In some ways, treating seasonal depression overlaps with how we would treat any major depressive disorder. You may look into medication management, emotional resilience tactics, therapy in Baltimore and beyond, and much more. Other treatment options for seasonal depression (SAD) include…
Light therapy to mimic natural sunlight
Vitamin D supplements
Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Exercising and other physical movement
Working with a behavioral health professional
Ultimately, there are many studies in progress to address the unique symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which in some cases overlaps with traditional depressive diagnoses and in other cases diverges from the norm. Our team at Triumph makes it our mission to remain at the forefront of modern seasonal depression treatments, ensuring we can give our clients the best opportunities possible to feel like themselves again.
Get the Help You Need at Triumph Behavioral Health
Here at Triumph Behavioral Health, we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals and families across Maryland. Whether you are navigating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, support is available.
Caring for your mental health is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your overall wellness, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Reach out to our team today to get the help you need. At Triumph, we care.