More Than the Winter Blues? 5 Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder

You know the daylight hours are getting shorter, and you may even have noticed a sense of sadness because of it. Although it’s normal to lament the end of summer and the long winter nights on the horizon, if your mood affects your ability to think clearly or function in daily life, you may have seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

At Broderick Healthcare in North Reading, Massachusetts, certified family nurse practitioner Kathleen Logan, FNP-C, regularly counsels patients on managing SAD and getting through the winter with good health and a positive mindset intact. 

Is it the winter blues? It can be challenging to determine whether you need professional help. This blog highlights five common signs of SAD so you can take action and feel better.

What is SAD?

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that commonly occurs during the fall and winter when the days are shorter. In addition to feelings of hopelessness or despair, it often leads to trouble sleeping, low energy, and changes in appetite. 

Although experts don’t know why SAD affects some people and not others, getting the right help can make it easier to manage symptoms and feel better.

5 Ways to tell if it’s SAD and not just a seasonal slump

SAD symptoms aren’t always obvious, but there are several key indicators. These include:

1. Persistent sadness or a low mood

Many people experience sadness during the fall and winter. At this time of year, the temperatures drop, driving on ice and snow can be stressful, and the holidays often bring up complicated emotions.

Though some ups and downs throughout the season are normal, if your sadness doesn’t improve after a few days or if it interferes with your energy and quality of life, SAD could be to blame.

2. Loss of interest in favorite activities

People with SAD often experience a noticeable lack of interest in activities that they typically enjoy. For example, you might stop attending a weekly meetup with friends or put hobbies you love on the back burner. 

It’s normal to want to protect your energy this time of year, but if your loss of interest occurs alongside an intense feeling of sadness, SAD is likely the cause. Shorter days mean less sunlight, which can affect the production of serotonin and dopamine, two brain chemicals essential for regulating emotions.

3. Changes in sleep or appetite

Many people with SAD experience noticeable changes to their sleep patterns and appetite. Whether you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep or you’re craving more sugary or processed foods, it’s important to listen to your body. 

Keeping a regular sleep schedule and eating balanced meals with vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can make it easier to get needed rest and stay on track with your diet. They can also boost your energy and make it easier to cope with shorter days and chillier weather.

4. Difficulty concentrating

Are you finding it more difficult to follow directions or remember things on your to-do list lately? Believe it or not, these are subtle signs of SAD, as the condition is known to affect cognitive function, including attention and working memory.

If you’re struggling to complete tasks or meet deadlines at work or school, and the problem tends to worsen during the fall and winter, seeing a licensed medical specialist may help.

5. Feeling hopeless or withdrawn

When you feel bad emotionally, it’s tempting to shut everyone out and avoid social interaction. You may even find yourself feeling stuck or thinking that things will never improve. Make an effort to keep social commitments, even if you’re struggling. Laughter and conversation with friends can help lift your spirits.

Even so, everyone feels down occasionally. If your symptoms are particularly noticeable right now, getting screened for SAD can provide peace of mind and help you figure out the best way to navigate this time of year.

We can help you manage SAD

There’s no cure for seasonal affective disorder, but a combination of healthy lifestyle changes, medications, and counseling can improve your outlook and make it easier to get through the season.

If you’re concerned that what you’re feeling is more than the winter blues, request an appointment online or call the Broderick Healthcare office at 617-905-1978 to start getting the support you need.