While most people feel a little “down” during the winter months, some struggle more significantly with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a subtype of depression with its onset during fall or winter months. Clients with SAD experience symptoms of depression such as sadness, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, increased sleep or paradoxically insomnia, fatigue, and loss of interest in usual activities. The question clients often ask is whether SAD goes away on its own? The answer is not black and white. In this post, we’ll discuss what SAD is and the possible courses it may take so clients can understand what to expect and seek appropriate treatment.
While SAD is a form of depression, it differs by its timing, as it usually begins in late fall or early winter and remits in the spring or summer months. Thus, it is considered a seasonal disorder that impacts between 4-6% of the population in the United States. SAD can occur in individuals with no history of depression or may be an exacerbation of existing depression. The causes of SAD are not entirely understood, but it is believed to be a result of the decrease in sunlight during winter months. This decrease in sunlight is related to how the body regulates circadian rhythms and neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and melatonin. Many SAD sufferers feel melancholic, gain weight, and crave carbohydrates. Others experience anxiety, irritability, and loss of libido. It is crucial to note that SAD can affect individuals regardless of gender, race, or age.
Albeit SAD is a form of depression, it tends to have a particular course that correlates with the season cycles. It emerges in various degrees of severity and symptomatology, so one person’s experience varies from another. In most cases, the duration of SAD symptoms appear mild to moderate in severe cases but can be debilitating to daily functioning. In rare cases, SAD may cause severe symptoms that emerge quickly, such as suicidal ideation, psychosis, or self-harm, which usually necessitate acute management. For a smaller percentage of clients, SAD can result in a worsening or exacerbation of depression or other mental illnesses, making them less responsive to treatment.
Does this mean that SAD goes away on its own? SAD does not disappear magically and, unfortunately, does not have a guaranteed remission without appropriate treatment. However, many clients experience some relief as spring arrives and daylight increases, and they naturally become exposed to more sunlight. This means that if symptoms are not severe, you can push through seasonal affective disorder. However, it is crucial to remember that each client’s experience of SAD is unique, and there is no predetermined course the disorder will take, making treatment necessary. Seasonal effective disorder treatment may consist of medication, light therapy, psychotherapy or counseling, or a combination of these treatments.
While many clients with SAD feel daunted to seek professional help, especially since their symptoms are correlated to a season, it is essential to seek qualified care. Seeking professional care can help clients feel empowered and access treatments that best fit their needs, whether they be medication, light therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy. For some clients, SAD may require a combination of treatments. Also, other interventions, such as sleep hygiene and nutrition modifications, may help clients with SAD.
Although seasonal affective disorder may not disappear on its own, it is manageable with the right care. While it can be tough to tell at this time of year whether you’re feeling down due to SAD or just the winter blues, we recommend seeking guidance if you’re experiencing depressive symptoms. Treatment plans that include psychotherapy, medication, light therapy, or a combination of these treatments can help clients manage their symptoms and thrive year-round. Ultimately, it’s crucial to remember that there is no uniform course that SAD may take, so seeking professional help to develop a tailored treatment plan can make a significant difference in managing SAD symptoms.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Josh Zettel, Psychotherapist, or another Kitchener psychotherapist at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
