Guide: Signs and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder

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Jan 9, 2024, 9:30 AM

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Updated 328 days ago

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December is Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month.

This month is used to educate the public about seasonal depression and the various ways to relieve its symptoms.

Seasonal affective disorder is more prevalent in regions with harsher winters.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, many people go through short periods when they feel sad or unlike their usual selves.

In most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter, and go away during the spring and summer.

The signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with depression. Some of the symptoms include:

Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two 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
Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes
Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment
Thoughts of death, suicide or suicide attempts

GETTING HELP: Suicide prevention websites and hotlines

For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include:

Oversleeping (hypersomnia)
Overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates, leading to weight gain
Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)

For summer-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: