Seasonal Affective Disorder: Understanding Seasonal Depression

October 31, 2025 O'Neals CA Gabrielle Hinson, Reporter and Sarah Kinnunen, Reporter

As the cold air sets in and sweaters start to get put on, it's important to think about yourself, more specifically, your mental health.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as Seasonal Depression, affects teens worldwide. If you’re worried that you might be affected or fall into one of the groups most commonly affected by SAD, symptoms and resources are listed at the bottom.

Symptoms and treatments for SAD Photo by Susanna Kinnunen

About 4–6% of people in the United States suffer from SAD, with another 10–20% experiencing milder symptoms during the colder months. With such high numbers, it's important to understand what causes it. SAD was first recognized as a type of depression in 1980. Researchers believe it is caused by an inability to adapt to colder, darker weather. This disorder can develop as early as young adulthood, and when it develops early, it often causes teens to distance themselves from others and experience trouble sleeping at night.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from SAD, it's best to talk to someone such as a doctor, a parent, a trusted adult, or even a school psychologist. Minarets psychologist Shae Davis says:

“Seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, can have a real impact on teens’ mental health and learning, especially during the darker, colder months. Many students experience lower energy, sadness, or lack of motivation, which can make it harder to focus or stay engaged in school. It’s not just about being tired; it’s a genuine mental health challenge linked to changes in sunlight and daily rhythm."

"If I could tell every student one thing, it would be this: you’re not alone, and help is available. Depression is treatable, and reaching out, whether to a counselor, teacher, or trusted friend, can make a huge difference.

"Some small but powerful ways to manage seasonal depression include getting outside for sunlight each day, keeping a consistent routine, staying active, and staying connected with others. Even small actions can help lift your mood and remind you that brighter days, both literally and emotionally, are ahead. Getting enough vitamin D, B vitamins, and omega-3s can also help boost mood and energy during the darker months.”

She is always available to talk in the Media Lounge near the library if you want to speak with someone about your feelings.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Photo by Susanna Kinnunen

There’s no way to completely avoid being affected by depression if you have it, but there are treatments that can help. One method is light therapy, which tricks your brain into registering light and increasing your mood by sitting in front of a light source that mimics natural sunlight. Another effective treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying your triggers and changing negative thought patterns into positive ones. A 2016 study showed that CBT is more beneficial than light therapy in helping people identify and manage long-term depression triggers. If SAD is severe, a doctor can prescribe medication to help.

Self-care is extremely important when the air gets colder, whether that means getting sunlight during the day, exercising or meditating, keeping your feelings in tune through journaling or talking with peers, taking a short vacation, or simply remembering that the pain you feel now won’t last forever. Everyone has their own way of feeling better, and it’s best to channel those feelings into healthy outlets while recognizing that your struggles are valid and real.

If you believe that you are affected by SAD, reach out for help from parents, a trusted adult, a doctor, or a therapist or school counselor. Your doctor might even recommend therapy, as having an outlet to talk is extremely beneficial to your long-term mental health.

Groups Most Affected by SAD

• Females: More women are diagnosed with SAD than men.

• Younger people: It often begins at younger ages; adults tend to manage symptoms better over time.

• People with affected family members: Being around someone with SAD can affect your own mental health, even if no one intends for it to.

• People diagnosed with Depression or Bipolar Disorder: Rapid changes in emotion can worsen symptoms.

• People who live farther from the equator: Weather changes are more extreme in colder climates, which can shock the body’s natural rhythm.

  
  

  Most Common Symptoms to Watch Out For

• Low energy

• Loss of interest in hobbies once enjoyed

• Sleeping problems (either undersleeping or oversleeping)

• Changes in appetite

• Trouble concentrating at school or at home

• Depressive thoughts

• Feeling easily aggravated

• Being more affected by what others say

• High stress levels

• Weight gain or loss

• Feeling heavy or sluggish (difficulty waking up in the morning or doing simple tasks)

• If you're struggling with feelings of depression, know that you are not alone and that there are people who care and want to help.

  
  

  Resources for Support:

• Call or text 988 (National Suicide and Crisis Hotline)

• Chat online at 988lifeline.org

• Talk to a friend or family member

• Book a therapy appointment

• Ask for help

• 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7.

Written by Gabrielle Hinson and Sarah Kinnunen

Edited by Josephina Emerson

Pictures by Susanna Kinnunen