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Health and Wellness Center: Utica University

PHONE: 315-792-3094

EMAIL: hwc@utica.edu

OFFICE LOCATION: Strebel Student Center 204

Utica University Counseling Center

Seasonal affective disorder(SAD), seasonal depression, or winter depression is a form of depression. People with SAD experience symptoms similar to depression that occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and shorter days. This form of depression usually improves with the arrival of spring. Though some may categorize it minimally as "Winter Blues" Seasonal Affective Disorder, like any other form of depression, can be overwhelming, interrupt daily functioning, and cause severe distress. 

Symptoms:
These are the most common symptoms of SAD*

*From the American Psychiatric Association(APA)

  • Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite; usually eating more, craving carbohydrates
  • Change in sleep; usually sleeping too much
  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours
  • Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., inability to sit still, pacing, handwringing) or slowed movements or speech (these actions must be severe enough to be observable to others)
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Please consult your Primary Care physician or Therapist if you experience these symptoms. 

  • FACT:  January and February tend to be the most difficult months for people with SAD in the U.S.
    • However, though less common, some people experience SAD in the summer.
  • MYTH: People with SAD can just snap out of it.
    • These symptoms are not caused by a negative attitude; it is caused by changes in the brain and body.
  • FACT:  About 5% of adults in the U.S. experience SAD and it typically lasts about 40% of the year.
  • ​​​​​​​MYTH:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ People suffering from SAD are depressed throughout the year.
    • Some people have depression year-round that gets worse in the winter; others just have SAD and struggle only in the winter months. 
  • FACT: 4 out of 5 people who have seasonal depression are women.
    • This study only included 2 Genders and DOES NOT mean that men can't suffer from SAD.

You can speak to a Doctor or Therapist to get an official diagnosis for SAD. 

These helpful tools may not work for everyone.

What Is Depression?

Depression (major depressive disorder)

Depression from NIH

11 Common Myths About Depression

U.S. Depression Rates

Podcasts