As seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression, its symptoms tend to be similar to those of depression. However, unlike non-seasonal depression, the symptoms of SAD occur in a seasonal pattern.
Recurrent episodes
People with SAD find that their symptoms return annually, at the same time each year. As winter depression is more common than summer depression, most people’s symptoms will begin in the winter and improve in the spring.
At the beginning of the autumn, the symptoms of SAD are usually relatively mild. However, as the winter progresses and sunlight diminishes, the symptoms tend to get worse. However, every individual experiences SAD differently, and the symptoms can vary from person to person
Between 70-80% of people with SAD experience recurrent episodes of unipolar depression, rather than bipolar depression. Unipolar depression means that you only experience depressive symptoms. Bipolar depression involves both depressed periods and manic (high) periods when you feel very happy and energetic.
Symptoms of depression
As with any form of depression, some of the main symptoms will be associated with a low mood and a loss of pleasure or interest in activities.
Other symptoms of depression may include:
- being in an irritable mood,
- feelings of despair,
- feelings of guilt and worthlessness,
- having low self-esteem,
- being indecisive,
- tearfulness,
- feeling stressed or anxious, and
- a reduced sex drive.
Winter depression
In addition to those symptoms listed above, other symptoms of winter SAD may include:
- being less active,
- feeling tired and sleeping more (hpersomnia),
- not having as much energy,
- not being able to concentrate,
- putting on weight,
- an increased appetite and eating more than usual (hyperphagia), and
- craving carbohydrates (starchy foods, such as bread and pasta).
SAD can be a difficult condition to live with and its symptoms can have a significant impact on the way that you live your day-to-day life.
Summer depression
If you experience SAD during the summer months, your symptoms are likely to be similar to the depression symptoms listed above.
