SAD,

Seasonal Affective Disorder,

or seasonal depression:

A type of depression that
follows a seasonal pattern

muted background with isolated human silhouette and shadow muted background with isolated human silhouette and shadow

SAD typically starts in the fall
and continues into the winter months

Seasonal Affective Disorder:

SAD is experienced by ~5% of adults SAD is experienced by ~5% of adults

SAD is experienced by ~5% of adults
SAD affects more women than men SAD affects more women than men

SAD affects more women than men
SAD lasts about 40% of the year SAD lasts about 40% of the year

SAD lasts about 40% of the year
SAD typically begins between ages 18 to 30 SAD typically begins between ages 18 to 30

SAD typically begins between ages 18 to 30

What are some of the risk factors that can increase your chances of seasonal depression?

  • Having depression or bipolar disorder
  • Living farther north due to decreased sunlight in the winter months
  • Family history of seasonal affective disorder
  • Low level (deficiency) of vitamin D
some of the SAD risk factors that can increase your chances of depression

What are some of the risk factors that can increase your chances of seasonal depression?

  • Having depression or bipolar disorder
  • Living farther north due to decreased sunlight in the winter months
  • Family history of seasonal affective disorder
  • Low level (deficiency) of vitamin D
some symptoms that are associated with seasonal depression

What are some symptoms* that are associated with seasonal depression?

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
  • Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
  • Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain
  • Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)

*Symptoms must occur during specific seasons for ≥2 years in a row, but not all people with SAD experience symptoms every year.

What are some symptoms* that are associated with seasonal depression?

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks
  • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
  • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
  • Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
  • Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain
  • Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)

*Symptoms must occur during specific seasons for ≥2 years in a row, but not all people with SAD experience symptoms every year.

some symptoms that are associated with seasonal depression

Possible treatment options include:

  • Light therapy
  • Talk therapy
  • Antidepressants
possible treatment options include: light therapy, talk therapy, and antidepressants

If you can relate to any of the above information, you are not alone. Even though SAD is a seasonal condition, it is important to manage symptoms when they’re present.

Speaking with a healthcare professional can help you find a treatment option that may be right for you.

Possible treatment options include:

  • Light therapy
  • Talk therapy
  • Antidepressants
possible treatment options include: light therapy, talk therapy, and antidepressants

If you can relate to any of the above information, you are not alone. Even though SAD is a seasonal condition, it is important to manage symptoms when they’re present.

Speaking with a healthcare professional can help you find a treatment option that may be right for you.

Want to learn more about a treatment
option for seasonal affective disorder?

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