Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts. This seasonal depression gets worse in the late fall or early winter before ending in the sunnier days of spring.

You can also get a mild version of SAD known as the “winter blues.” It’s normal to feel a little down during colder months. You may be stuck inside, and it gets dark early.

But full SAD goes beyond this. It’s a form of depression. Unlike the winter blues, SAD affects your daily life, including how you feel and think. Fortunately, treatment can help you get through this challenging time.

Your healthcare provider may refer to seasonal affective disorder as seasonal depression.

Can people get seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the summer?

Some people get a rare form of SAD called “summer depression.” It starts in the late spring or early summer and ends in the fall. It’s less common than the seasonal affective disorder that tends to come during winter.

How common is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

About 5% of adults in the U.S. experience SAD. It tends to start in young adulthood (usually between the ages of 18 and 30). SAD affects people assigned female at birth more than people assigned male at birth, though researchers aren’t sure why.

About 10% to 20% of people in America may get a milder form of the winter blues.