It’s the time of year when seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, as it’s referred to by many is at its peak. With the cold weather and shorter days, many people experiences changes in mood and energy levels that can have a significant effect on daily life.
SAD is a form of depression that usually occurs during this time of year, and can exacerbate existing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and addiction, with many people who have been through drug rehab being especially at risk at this time of year.
It’s more than simply the ‘winter blues’ and it’s important to recognise seasonal affective disorder to manage it effectively. But how do you recognise that you may be living with it? Well, here are five signs…
Persistent Low Mood
Among the most prominent symptoms of SAD is the continous feeling of sadness or being low in mood. It’s important not to confuse this with feeling a little less cheerful during days of bad weather, but rather SAD is a type of depression that makes people feel persistently down.
Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and generally finding little pleasure in activities they’d usually enjoy is a part of this and if it’s lasting for over two weeks and affecting daily life it could well be a signal of SAD.
Decreased Energy and Fatigue
Do you find it nearly impossible to get out of bed on winter mornings, no matter how much sleep you get? Persistent tiredness and low energy are key symptoms of SAD. This goes beyond normal winter tiredness; people with SAD often feel physically and mentally drained, struggling to complete even basic tasks. The lack of sunlight in winter months affects the body’s internal clock and reduces melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep regulation. This imbalance can make people with SAD feel constantly fatigued, even if they’ve had enough sleep.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Changes in sleep patterns are a common symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Many people with SAD experience hypersomnia, which means sleeping excessively but still feeling unrefreshed. It’s common for those with SAD to sleep significantly longer than usual during the autumn and winter months, and yet they might still wake up feeling groggy and unrested. This extended sleep can disrupt daily routines and make it difficult to maintain normal activities. In other cases, people with SAD may experience insomnia, finding it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night. Either way, disrupted sleep patterns can further worsen mood and energy levels, creating a difficult cycle.
Increased Appetite and Weight Gain
Another sign of Seasonal Affective Disorder is a noticeable increase in appetite, particularly cravings for carbohydrates and sugary foods. This tendency to eat more comfort foods can lead to weight gain over the winter months. The urge to eat more may be the body’s way of seeking extra energy to counteract low mood and fatigue, but over time, these dietary changes can negatively impact health. Weight gain can, in turn, lead to feelings of self-criticism, which may worsen depressive symptoms. If you notice that you’re regularly craving carbs and are gaining weight during winter, this could be a sign of SAD.
Difficulty Concentrating
A less obvious but equally concerning sign of SAD is difficulty concentrating. People with SAD often report “brain fog” and find it hard to focus on tasks that require mental clarity. They may struggle with decision-making, memory retention, or simply staying attentive during conversations. This cognitive effect can interfere with work, studies, and even personal relationships, adding to the sense of frustration and low self-esteem that often accompanies SAD. The lack of energy and sleep disruption associated with SAD can further impair mental focus, making it difficult to carry out day-to-day activities efficiently.
