1. Estimated to affect 10 million American’s every year.
2. While an extra 10-20% may have mild episodes.
3. It is much more common in women than men.
4. Typically starts around age 20.
5. Some people’s symptoms affect their quality of life.
6. 6% have required hospitalization.
7. 55% percent of people have family members with a depression issue.
8. 34% have family members with alcohol abuse.
9. Normally doesn’t happen in children under 20 years old.
10. Sometimes detected by parents and teachers.
11. Risk decreases the older you get.
12. More common in the northern states.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons — seasonal affective disorder (SAD) begins and ends at about the same times every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody. These symptoms often resolve during the spring and summer months. Less often, SAD causes depression in the spring or early summer and resolves during the fall or winter months. 

  1. Who does SAD affect?  

Women are three times more likely to experience SAD than men. SAD usually begins in young adulthood and tends to run in families.  

Symptoms of depression may worsen seasonally in people with depression or bipolar disorder. People who live in places with shorter daylight hours in the winter, like Alaska or New England, are more likely to develop SAD. 

  1. Why does it happen?  

The exact cause of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is unknown, but it’s often linked to reduced sunlight. Other factors that may contribute to SAD include vitamin D deficiency and altered melatonin levels. Less sunlight in the winter can disrupt your body’s internal clock, which regulates sleep, appetite, and mood. Reduced sunlight can also lead to lower levels of serotonin, a hormone that affects mood. Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate these problems because vitamin D helps promote serotonin activity. 

  1. SAD is most common in places with shorter daylight hours in the winter, like Alaska or New England. Alaska has the highest rates of SAD in the U.S.  SAD also affects people who live in rural areas more than those in urban or suburban areas 
  1. How does SAD impact the body? 
  • Feeling listless or down most of the day, nearly every day 
  • Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed 
  • Having low energy and feeling sluggish 
  • Having problems with sleeping too much 
  • Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain 
  • Having difficulty concentrating 
  • Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty 
  • Having thoughts of not wanting to live 
  • Stress 
  • Decreased immunity 
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular problems 
  1. Treatment and Prevention  

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – Diagnosis & treatment – Mayo Clinic

  1. Support groups 

National Alliance on Mental Health www.nami.org  

Anxiety and Depression Association of America www.adaa.org 

Share well now www.sharewellnow.com 

  1. My personal journey with SAD 

I have struggled with seasonal depression since my mid 20s. My sister also struggles with SAD. I have used a happy light, anti-depressants, Vitamin D increase, B12, walking dogs and going on walks with friends to get physical activity. It has also helped me to go to warm, sunny places for vacation. Good family support and consistent support from my doctor has also been a big help. I’ve also done what I can to educate myself on this topic so I can understand what is going on and how best to help myself.