I feel depressed around the same time each year. How can I get help and support for major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern (SAD)?

Major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD) involves repeated episodes of depression that happen during certain seasons each year and last for several months at a time. Some people experience a bipolar presentation of seasonal depression; these individuals experience symptoms of hypomania/mania like elevated mood, high energy, racing thoughts, and less impulse control in the months that they do not feel depressed.

Seasonal depression episodes occur most often in late fall and winter. Researchers have found that seasonal depression in the winter most commonly affects those living in higher/northern latitude areas, where winter days are the shortest and people spend less time in the sun. In addition to typical symptoms of depression like low moods and loss of interest in activities, symptoms of winter depression include oversleeping, overeating, craving foods with carbohydrates, and less motivation to be social.

Many people are surprised to find that seasonal depression can also happen in the summer. Researchers believe that summer depression may be linked to too much exposure to heat and humidity. Specific symptoms of summer depression include trouble sleeping, poor appetite, restlessness and agitation, anxiety, and aggressive behavior.

Do I have major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern?

If you experience depressive episodes during certain seasons each year, consider seeking a mental health assessment to determine if you have MDD with a seasonal pattern. You may also wish to consult with your primary care doctor (PCP) to rule out any other conditions that may affect your mood during certain months of the year.

If you are already diagnosed with a serious mental health condition such as schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder, and you find that your mood symptoms change or worsen during the summer, your existing condition might be impacted by exposure to heat and humidity. Check out the NAMI HelpLine Knowledge Article Extreme heat events can be deadly for people with serious mental illness. What do I need to know? to learn more about how extreme heat can affect those with serious mental illness and steps you can take to stay safe.

What treatments help with seasonal depression?

Because this condition is a subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD), treatments considered effective for depression are usually effective for seasonal depressive episodes: psychotherapy treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), antidepressant medication, and lifestyle changes to help manage the impact of the symptoms on everyday life.

Light therapy is an effective treatment for those who experience seasonal depression in the winter. Light therapy involves regular, daily exposure to a “light box,” which artificially simulates high-intensity sunlight. While you can find different types of light boxes online, light therapy treatment should always happen in consultation with a doctor or licensed mental health professional.

Treatments for summer seasonal depression are not as well-studied, but initial research from the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that thermoregulatory treatments like taking cold showers throughout the day and staying in areas with air conditioning can be helpful. Again, using these strategies specifically to manage symptoms of depression should happen in consultation with a doctor or licensed mental health professional.

Resources for coping with seasonal depression

NAMI Depression and Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern webpages provide an overview of depression symptoms along with treatments and support available to those living with a depressive disorder.
Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of depression and other mental health disorders; they offer information on the condition, treatment, resources, and a support group directory. Search the ADAA Support Group Locator for a group near you.
Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a national organization offering peer-based, wellness-oriented support, services and resources for people who live with mood disorders, including information on treatment, resources, and support groups for individuals living with mood disorders and their loved ones. Search the DBSA Support Group Locator group near you.
Everyday Health: 14 Ways to Ease Seasonal Depression highlights 14 steps you can take to manage symptoms of depression in the fall and winter months.
WebMD: Tips for Summer Depression offers strategies for prioritizing your well-being and managing symptoms of depression in the summer months.
NAMI Peer-to-Peer Classes are a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions and informative videos. Find a Peer-to-Peer course near you via your local NAMI Affiliate.
NAMI Connection Support Group is a peer support group for people with mental health conditions. Groups meet weekly, every other week or monthly, depending on location. This program is also available at certain NAMI affiliates in Spanish, as NAMI Conexión. Find a NAMI Connection Support Group near you via your local NAMI Affiliate.

Hours of operation Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. EST

Call: 800-950-NAMI (6264)

Text: 62640

Webchat: www.nami.org/help

Email: helpline@nami.org