As the New Year begins, many people notice shifts in their mood that correspond with the changing seasons. While feeling “down” during shorter days is common, some individuals experience more serious, recurring mood changes known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC) encourages the community to understand the signs, symptoms and treatment options for this condition.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes in daylight. Most cases occur in late fall or winter, called winter-pattern SAD, while less common cases appear in spring or summer, known as summer-pattern SAD. Symptoms typically last 4–5 months each year and can significantly affect mood, energy, and daily functioning, reports the National Institute of Mental Health.
How to Recognize the Symptoms
SAD shares many signs with general depression, including:
- Persistent sadness, anxiety, or emptiness
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Physical aches without clear cause
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Winter-pattern SAD may also involve oversleeping, increased appetite with carbohydrate cravings, weight gain and social withdrawal, while summer-pattern SAD can include insomnia, poor appetite, restlessness and agitation.
How is SAD Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider or mental health specialist can help diagnose SAD, often using questionnaires to determine whether symptoms follow a seasonal pattern for at least two consecutive years and occur more frequently than other depressive episodes (NIMH).
Treatment Options
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, treatments are available and may be used alone or in combination:
- Light Therapy: Daily exposure to a bright light box to compensate for reduced natural sunlight in winter.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for SAD (CBT-SAD) can help change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors linked to seasonal depression.
- Antidepressant Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or FDA-approved bupropion can reduce symptoms and prevent seasonal recurrence.
- Vitamin D Supplements: May help those with winter-pattern SAD who have low vitamin D levels.
Early intervention, particularly before symptom onset, can help prevent or reduce depressive episode.
UMC El Paso is committed to supporting the mental health of our community. Recognizing SAD is the first step toward feeling better. With effective treatments and support, individuals can manage seasonal depression and start the New Year with renewed hope.
It is important to monitor your health regularly to prevent, detect, and manage potential risks. At University Medical Center of El Paso (UMC), our health professionals are here to support your overall well-being. Call (915) 521-7979 today to schedule an appointment, or visit umcelpaso.org to learn more.
