2025 is well underway and temperatures are at some of their lowest. With everyone wearing hoodies and the sun setting by 6 p.m., a Talon Instagram poll revealed that 71% of Oak Park High School students long for summer.
Some people holding these sentiments have coined the phrase ‘seasonal depression’ to identify this experience, but that is not always the most accurate description.
Seasonal depression is also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and research has suggested it is a chemical change in the brain stemming from seasonal changes in daylight. This results in persistent sadness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and lack of interest in usual activities.
There are two types of SAD: fall-onset and spring-onset. The vast majority are a part of the fall-onset category, which lasts through winter and improves when spring arrives. Those experiencing winter SAD may also experience oversleeping, overeating and a withdrawal from social activities in addition to broader depression symptoms.
On the other hand, spring-onset is a much rarer variation of seasonal depression that appears in the warmer months and subsides in the fall. Summer symptoms include insomnia, lack of appetite, and aggression. Less research has been conducted on spring-onset SAD due to the challenges of studying it, but researchers have taken definite steps to understand it further.
The production of serotonin and melatonin has also been connected to SAD. Vitamin D promotes serotonin production, so less sun may result in less serotonin. It has also been theorized that those with fall-onset SAD produce too much melatonin, and spring-onset produce too little. Too much leads to exhaustion, and too little results in insomnia.
SAD is not the same as “holiday blues.” True seasonal depression comes from the change in daylight, not from life changes during the holiday months. This misconception often results in inaccurate self-diagnosis.
SAD is not a common condition and is primarily diagnosed in adults, but it is still very possible for teens to be affected by it. Seasonal depression is more frequent in people who already have other disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. Also, those with relatives who have SAD are more likely to have it themselves.
Even with the limited knowledge of seasonal depression currently, there are still many options on how to help those affected by SAD.
Fall-onset SAD is mainly treated by compensating for a lack of sunlight in winter. This can be done through sun exposure when accessible, or otherwise light therapy and vitamin D supplements.
To use light therapy, users place an extremely bright fluorescent lamp in their home while they complete daily tasks. It is most effective in the mornings and should be done at a slight distance. Light therapy is recommended throughout the entire season of the SAD symptoms to prevent resurfacing.
Unfortunately, there are no options specific to spring-onset SAD currently, but methods for general depression can be helpful. Traditional therapy is another tool to help minimize the overarching depression symptoms that come from SAD and to combat anxious thoughts. Conversational therapy in combination with other treatment options is the most common approach.
Some with SAD also take antidepressants in their treatment. Medication and all other forms of treatment should be discussed with your doctor before they are implemented.
Though all of these ways are beneficial, self-care is by far the simplest and most overlooked way to manage seasonal depression. A nutritious diet, exercise, time in nature, and time with friends are all incredible options for minimizing, and in some cases even avoiding SAD symptoms.
It is important for those with seasonal depression to lean on those around them, and utilize their support system to get through the low points of the season.
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
