Short answer: seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a pattern of depression that returns at the same time each year, usually in late fall and winter. It is common in New England, where daylight drops below nine and a half hours in December, and it responds well to treatment.
Winter blues or seasonal depression?
Most people feel a little slower in winter. Seasonal depression is different: low mood most days, loss of interest, oversleeping, carbohydrate cravings, weight gain and pulling away from people, lasting weeks and affecting work, school or relationships.
Treatments that help
- Light therapy: a 10,000-lux light box used for about 20 to 30 minutes in the morning helps many people. Ask a clinician first if you have bipolar disorder or eye conditions.
- Morning routine: a consistent wake time and getting outside early, even on cloudy days
- Movement: regular exercise has a real antidepressant effect
- Therapy: CBT adapted for SAD can reduce symptoms in future winters
- Medication: some antidepressants can be started before symptoms usually begin
Planning ahead
If winter depression happens every year, a fall check-in with a psychiatrist lets you start prevention early rather than waiting until January. Telehealth visits are especially useful when snow and dark commutes make travel harder.
Read about depression treatment at Psych Boston or telehealth psychiatry in Massachusetts. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 at any time.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911. Psych Boston is an outpatient psychiatry practice at 35 Bedford St #17, Lexington, MA781-218-9550).