Understanding
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Understanding depression that follows seasonal patterns and the impact of reduced natural light
Understanding
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Understanding depression that follows seasonal patterns and the impact of reduced natural light
Understanding
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Understanding depression that follows seasonal patterns and the impact of reduced natural light
What does Seasonal Affective Disorder feel like?
Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder means experiencing a predictable cycle of depression that typically begins in autumn and deepens through winter, coinciding with shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure. The condition creates a profound shift in energy, mood, and motivation that feels like your body and mind are hibernating against your will. Unlike typical depression, SAD often involves increased sleep, carbohydrate cravings, and weight gain, making you feel sluggish and disconnected from your usual self.
The experience involves feeling trapped by the changing seasons, with symptoms that can range from mild winter blues to severe depression that significantly impacts work, relationships, and daily functioning. Many people describe feeling like they're living in slow motion, struggling to maintain enthusiasm for activities they normally enjoy, whilst battling an overwhelming urge to withdraw and sleep more than usual.
Common Symptoms
Persistent low mood during autumn and winter months
Increased sleep and difficulty waking up
Strong cravings for carbohydrates and comfort foods
Significant weight gain during winter months
Loss of energy and feeling sluggish or heavy
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities
Symptoms improving notably in spring and summer
What does Seasonal Affective Disorder feel like?
Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder means experiencing a predictable cycle of depression that typically begins in autumn and deepens through winter, coinciding with shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure. The condition creates a profound shift in energy, mood, and motivation that feels like your body and mind are hibernating against your will. Unlike typical depression, SAD often involves increased sleep, carbohydrate cravings, and weight gain, making you feel sluggish and disconnected from your usual self.
The experience involves feeling trapped by the changing seasons, with symptoms that can range from mild winter blues to severe depression that significantly impacts work, relationships, and daily functioning. Many people describe feeling like they're living in slow motion, struggling to maintain enthusiasm for activities they normally enjoy, whilst battling an overwhelming urge to withdraw and sleep more than usual.
Common Symptoms
Persistent low mood during autumn and winter months
Increased sleep and difficulty waking up
Strong cravings for carbohydrates and comfort foods
Significant weight gain during winter months
Loss of energy and feeling sluggish or heavy
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities
Symptoms improving notably in spring and summer
What does Seasonal Affective Disorder feel like?
Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder means experiencing a predictable cycle of depression that typically begins in autumn and deepens through winter, coinciding with shorter days and reduced sunlight exposure. The condition creates a profound shift in energy, mood, and motivation that feels like your body and mind are hibernating against your will. Unlike typical depression, SAD often involves increased sleep, carbohydrate cravings, and weight gain, making you feel sluggish and disconnected from your usual self.
The experience involves feeling trapped by the changing seasons, with symptoms that can range from mild winter blues to severe depression that significantly impacts work, relationships, and daily functioning. Many people describe feeling like they're living in slow motion, struggling to maintain enthusiasm for activities they normally enjoy, whilst battling an overwhelming urge to withdraw and sleep more than usual.
Common Symptoms
Persistent low mood during autumn and winter months
Increased sleep and difficulty waking up
Strong cravings for carbohydrates and comfort foods
Significant weight gain during winter months
Loss of energy and feeling sluggish or heavy
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities
Symptoms improving notably in spring and summer
History of Seasonal Affective Disorder
From folklore observations to clinical recognition and treatment
Ancient Times
Historical texts and folklore document seasonal mood changes, with cultures worldwide recognising the connection between reduced daylight and melancholy during winter months
1980s
Psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal formally identifies and names Seasonal Affective Disorder, establishing diagnostic criteria and connecting symptoms to light exposure patterns
1990s
Research into circadian rhythms and melatonin production provides scientific understanding of how seasonal light changes affect brain chemistry and mood regulation
Present
Modern treatment combines light therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and lifestyle interventions, with growing recognition of SAD's impact on workplace productivity and public health
History of Seasonal Affective Disorder
From folklore observations to clinical recognition and treatment
Ancient Times
Historical texts and folklore document seasonal mood changes, with cultures worldwide recognising the connection between reduced daylight and melancholy during winter months
1980s
Psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal formally identifies and names Seasonal Affective Disorder, establishing diagnostic criteria and connecting symptoms to light exposure patterns
1990s
Research into circadian rhythms and melatonin production provides scientific understanding of how seasonal light changes affect brain chemistry and mood regulation
Present
Modern treatment combines light therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and lifestyle interventions, with growing recognition of SAD's impact on workplace productivity and public health
History of Seasonal Affective Disorder
From folklore observations to clinical recognition and treatment
Ancient Times
Historical texts and folklore document seasonal mood changes, with cultures worldwide recognising the connection between reduced daylight and melancholy during winter months
1980s
Psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal formally identifies and names Seasonal Affective Disorder, establishing diagnostic criteria and connecting symptoms to light exposure patterns
1990s
Research into circadian rhythms and melatonin production provides scientific understanding of how seasonal light changes affect brain chemistry and mood regulation
Present
Modern treatment combines light therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and lifestyle interventions, with growing recognition of SAD's impact on workplace productivity and public health
Take our free self-test
Take our free self-test
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Take a short self-test to see if counselling might make a difference.
Instructions
Answer based on recent weeks. Choose the option that fits best. You’ll see your results at the end.
This short self-test screens for seasonal affective symptoms. It isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you decide next steps.
How therapy can help
Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder combines light therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications to address both the biological and psychological aspects of the condition. Light therapy involves daily exposure to bright artificial light that mimics natural sunlight, helping regulate circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter production. CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns whilst developing coping strategies for managing seasonal mood changes and maintaining routines during difficult months.
Treatment often includes guidance on sleep hygiene, exercise, nutrition, and social connection to support overall wellbeing during darker months. Many people find significant improvement within weeks of starting light therapy, with CBT providing lasting skills for managing future seasonal episodes and maintaining better mental health year-round.
Benefits of Therapy
Regulating sleep-wake cycles and energy levels
Learning to use light therapy effectively and safely
Developing coping strategies for seasonal mood changes
Maintaining social connections during winter months
Creating structured routines that support wellbeing
Understanding personal seasonal patterns and triggers
Preventing or reducing severity of future episodes
Improving overall quality of life during darker months
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding seasonal depression and effective treatments
What's the difference between SAD and normal winter blues?
When is the best time to start light therapy?
Can SAD occur in summer months?
How long do I need to continue treatment for SAD?
How therapy can help
Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder combines light therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications to address both the biological and psychological aspects of the condition. Light therapy involves daily exposure to bright artificial light that mimics natural sunlight, helping regulate circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter production. CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns whilst developing coping strategies for managing seasonal mood changes and maintaining routines during difficult months.
Treatment often includes guidance on sleep hygiene, exercise, nutrition, and social connection to support overall wellbeing during darker months. Many people find significant improvement within weeks of starting light therapy, with CBT providing lasting skills for managing future seasonal episodes and maintaining better mental health year-round.
Benefits of Therapy
Regulating sleep-wake cycles and energy levels
Learning to use light therapy effectively and safely
Developing coping strategies for seasonal mood changes
Maintaining social connections during winter months
Creating structured routines that support wellbeing
Understanding personal seasonal patterns and triggers
Preventing or reducing severity of future episodes
Improving overall quality of life during darker months
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding seasonal depression and effective treatments
What's the difference between SAD and normal winter blues?
When is the best time to start light therapy?
Can SAD occur in summer months?
How long do I need to continue treatment for SAD?
How therapy can help
Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorder combines light therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications to address both the biological and psychological aspects of the condition. Light therapy involves daily exposure to bright artificial light that mimics natural sunlight, helping regulate circadian rhythms and neurotransmitter production. CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns whilst developing coping strategies for managing seasonal mood changes and maintaining routines during difficult months.
Treatment often includes guidance on sleep hygiene, exercise, nutrition, and social connection to support overall wellbeing during darker months. Many people find significant improvement within weeks of starting light therapy, with CBT providing lasting skills for managing future seasonal episodes and maintaining better mental health year-round.
Benefits of Therapy
Regulating sleep-wake cycles and energy levels
Learning to use light therapy effectively and safely
Developing coping strategies for seasonal mood changes
Maintaining social connections during winter months
Creating structured routines that support wellbeing
Understanding personal seasonal patterns and triggers
Preventing or reducing severity of future episodes
Improving overall quality of life during darker months
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding seasonal depression and effective treatments
What's the difference between SAD and normal winter blues?
When is the best time to start light therapy?
Can SAD occur in summer months?
How long do I need to continue treatment for SAD?
