Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Low mood, fatigue, or irritability that appear during specific seasons. Therapy helps manage symptoms and create a wellness plan for seasonal changes.
Overview
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. Most commonly, symptoms begin in late autumn or winter when exposure to natural sunlight decreases. It affects mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, and daily functioning.
Symptoms
Low mood during certain seasons
Fatigue and low energy
Oversleeping
Increased appetite (especially for carbs)
Weight gain
Difficulty concentrating
Reduced motivation
Social withdrawal (“hibernating” behavior)
Causes
Reduced sunlight affecting serotonin and melatonin
Disrupted circadian rhythms
Vitamin D deficiency
Genetic predisposition
Environmental factors (long winters, limited daylight)
How Therapy Can Help
Light therapy (phototherapy)
Psychotherapy (CBT for SAD)
Vitamin D supplementation (as advised)
Regular physical activity
Maximizing exposure to natural light
Antidepressants when clinically required
