With insights from a Psychologist at The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders
Q1: What exactly is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, often appearing in the fall or winter when daylight hours are shorter. People may notice lower energy, changes in sleep or appetite, and a drop in motivation or mood. It’s caused in part by changes in how light affects our internal body clocks and serotonin levels.
Q2: Can people really get SAD in sunny places like Florida?
Yes, absolutely. While SAD is more common in northern states, people in Florida and other warm climates can still experience it. Factors like indoor lifestyles, irregular sleep, or even cloudy stretches of weather can limit light exposure. For some, the shift from long summer days to shorter winter evenings is enough to trigger symptoms.
Q3: What are the most common signs of SAD in adults?
Typical symptoms include low mood, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, oversleeping, and craving carbohydrates. Some people withdraw socially or lose interest in activities they usually enjoy. It can sneak up gradually, so if you start noticing these changes every year around the same time, it may be more than “just the winter blues.”
Q4: How is SAD different from other forms of depression?
The biggest difference is the seasonal pattern. SAD tends to come and go at roughly the same time each year and often resolves as daylight increases in spring. Otherwise, the symptoms are quite similar. A mental health professional can help determine whether it’s seasonal depression or another form of mood disorder.
Q5: How can people in sunny states manage SAD?
Light exposure is key. Even in Florida, many people spend most of their days indoors, so try to get outside in natural sunlight for at least 20 to 30 minutes a day. Open curtains, sit near windows, or consider a light therapy box if recommended by your provider. Exercise, consistent sleep, and a balanced diet also play a big role.
Q6: Does vitamin D help?
For some people, yes. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to mood changes and fatigue. A simple blood test can check your levels. If they’re low, supplements can help—but it’s important to talk with your doctor before starting anything new.
Q7: When should someone consider seeking professional help?
If your low mood lasts more than a couple of weeks, starts affecting your work or relationships, or you find it hard to get through the day, it’s time to reach out. Treatment for SAD often includes therapy, light exposure strategies, and sometimes medication. Early support can make symptoms much more manageable.
Q8: What’s your best advice for someone noticing seasonal changes in their mood?
Pay attention to patterns. If you tend to feel worse every year around the same time, don’t dismiss it. Small changes like more sunlight, regular exercise, or therapy can have a big impact. The important thing is to reach out early and not wait until symptoms become overwhelming.
If you’re noticing mood changes that seem to follow the seasons, you’re not alone.
At The Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders, our clinicians help adults identify and manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder with compassionate, evidence-based care. Whether you live in a colder climate or a sunny one, your emotional health matters year-round.