Seasonal Affective Disorder Charleston SC - Winter Depression Signs | Hope Integrative Medicine
November 11, 2026 · 1:15
How to tell seasonal affective disorder from the winter blues, the symptoms to watch for, how SAD is diagnosed, and what treatment can include, from light therapy to medication.
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Transcript
Seasonal affective disorder: when winter depression is more than the blues. Here are three things to know. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that comes back around the same time each year. Signs can include a low mood, losing interest in things and low energy. Winter-pattern SAD often adds oversleeping, cravings for starchy and sugary foods, and pulling away from friends and family. Your provider may start with a short questionnaire. A diagnosis of SAD means depression episodes in a specific season for at least 2 years in a row, more often than at other times of year. An exam, an interview and lab tests can rule out other causes, such as thyroid disorders. Treatment can include light therapy, antidepressant medicine, talk therapy and vitamin D, alone or together. Light therapy usually means about 30 to 45 minutes a day in front of a bright light box, most often in the morning. Antidepressants usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work. Read the full article at hopeintegrativemed.com. If you are struggling, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Institute of Mental Health says winter-pattern SAD usually starts in late fall or early winter and lifts in spring and summer. Symptoms last about 4 to 5 months of the year.
Yes. NIMH describes a less common summer pattern, with symptoms in spring and summer. It can bring trouble sleeping, poor appetite with weight loss, restlessness, agitation, anxiety, and violent or aggressive behavior.
Yes. NIMH notes that certain medicines and medical conditions, such as viruses or thyroid disorders, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A provider can rule these out with a physical exam, an interview and lab tests.
