Using Terms like Seasonal Depression

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What is Seasonal Depression? Officially known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), it refers to depressive episodes experienced during a particular season, as opposed to clinical depression, which is not limited to specific times in which episodes can occur. Symptoms most commonly begin in fall and continue into winter, making the individual feel lethargic and influencing their moods as the days become shorter and colder. This type of seasonal depression is called “Winter-onset”. However, these symptoms can also occur during spring or summer, though it is less common. This type is called “Summer-onset”.

Generally, SAD is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, suicide, lack of motivation to engage in well-loved pastimes, and changes in an individual’s sleeping and eating habits. Towards the colder seasons of fall and winter, SAD can manifest as weight gain, excessive sleeping, and constantly feeling tired. Summer-onset seasonal depression is characterized by insomnia, anxiety, and weight loss.

SAD is a legitimate medical disorder that can be diagnosed by a medical professional, and the term should not be thrown around lightly. The winter-onset occurs due to the shorter daylight hours, which increases the brain's production of melatonin. Melatonin is the chemical which helps humans fall asleep when it is dark. As such, high levels of melatonin increase feelings of sleepiness and lethargy. A decrease in daylight hours also decreases the brain’s production of serotonin, the chemical responsible for feelings of happiness. Low serotonin levels lead to depression. As the seasons change over to fall and winter, optimal conditions for the onset of seasonal depression are achieved.

Treatment for either type can include any combination of exposure to sunlight, light therapy, psychotherapy, and antidepressants.

Sources:

• Johns Hopkins . (2021). Seasonal affective disorder. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/seasonal-affective-disorder.

• Lyness, D. A. (Ed.). (2020, January). Seasonal affective disorder (for teens) - nemourskidshealth. KidsHealth. Retrieved December 4, 2021, from https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sad.html.

• Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2017, October 25). Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651.

• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Mental Health America. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad.

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Published January 17, 2022

Written by Karena Dindial ~ Edited by Riya Sharma ~ Graphics created by Fiona Xu