Mayo Clinic Health System
  • Patient Online Services
  • Pay Bill Online
  • Request an Appointment
    • Services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Adams
      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Janesville
      • Kenyon
      • Lake City
      • Le Sueur
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • New Richland
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      Iowa

      • Decorah
      • Lake Mills

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    • COVID-19
    • Request an Appointment
    • Patient Online Services
    • Pay Bills Online
    • Refer a Patient

    Recent Posts

    • Teenager wearing blue hoodie
      Speaking of Health
      Why it's important to support kids who identify as LGBTQ and may be struggling
      June 24, 2022
    • Person with glasses and nose ring
      Speaking of Health
      LGBTQ+ health: Easing fears of seeking care
      June 23, 2022
    • Toddler with curly hair wearing white shirt
      Featured Topic
      COVID-19 vaccines for infants, toddlers
      June 22, 2022
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • COVID-19
    • COVID-19 Vaccine
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Thursday, January 15, 2015

    Seasonal affective disorder: Not just the winter blues

    The holiday season has passed. In the Midwest, we are settling in for a few more months of cold weather. 

    These months can be challenging. For some of you, the added stress of seasonal mood changes can be an unwelcome visitor.

    Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a form of major depression that some people commonly suffer from in the late fall and winter months and, more rarely, in early spring. Research shows that the greater the distance you live north or south of the equator, the greater the incidence of SAD cases. In the United States, people are more likely to have SAD in the north than in the south. Those most likely to suffer from SAD are females and /or those who have a family or personal history of mood disturbance. SAD is uncommon, although not unheard of, in those younger than 20, and in older adults.

    Common symptoms

    • Depressed mood (feeling  more sad, down or numb)
    • Irritability
    • Problems getting along with others
    • Fatigue and oversleeping
    • Appetite changes, such as craving high-carbohydrate foods
    • Weight gain

    In early spring, symptoms may include:                                                                                                        

    • Depression
    • Trouble sleeping
    • Anxiety
    • Weight loss

    If you suspect that you or someone you care about may be struggling with SAD, seeking help from a qualified professional is the first step to feeling better.

    An evaluation by your health care provider or a mental health counselor is crucial. SAD can lead to serious complications, such as social withdrawal, school and work problems, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 

    Causes

    SAD is thought to be caused by the seasonal change in exposure to light in our environment that occurs in the fall, winter and spring months. These changes may affect the amount of the hormone melatonin produced by the body in some people, resulting in abnormalities in neurotransmitters in the brain, such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. 

    Melatonin, produced in the pineal gland of the brain and triggered by darkness, influences the sleep/wake cycle. In the cold winter months when we are more likely to stay indoors and daylight hours are shorter, increased melatonin production in those susceptible can increase the occurrence of SAD.

    Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, is believed to have a role in regulation of mood. Serotonin levels also may decrease in response to a reduction in daylight hours, resulting in symptoms of depression. Some people experience an increased craving for carbohydrates during low-light months, as carbohydrates help generate serotonin production.

    Treatment options

    Treatment may involve:

    • Light therapy
    • Lifestyle changes to increase exposure to natural light
    • Individual and or group psychotherapy
    • Medications

    There are many qualified physicians and mental health counselors to assist in finding the help you need.

    Outpatient behavior health offers:

    • Individual assessment and evaluation for depression/SAD
    • Individual therapy using evidenced-based treatments
    • Support groups and classes
    • Referrals for medication management

    We are here to help. It's not just the winter blues.


    For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
    Topics in this Post
    • Behavioral Health
    • Depression
    • Balance your mental and emotional health

    Related Posts

    National Bullying Prevention Month: Educating children and ourselves
    Sitting on floor with crossed legs Use mindfulness to improve well-being
    Coping with holiday stress — Keeping our expectations realistic

    Stay Connected

    • Contact Us
    • Notice of Nondiscrimination
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Careers
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • For Patients & Visitors
    • Financial Assistance
    • Community Resources
    • Mayo Clinic Connect
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Press Room
    • Mayo Clinic
    • Home
    © 2018 - 2022 Mayo Clinic Health System