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14 | InTouch WINTER 2025 FEATURE Also known as the “winter blues,” SAD is a type of depression related to the change of seasons. Most prevalent in areas far north or south of the equator, SAD typically occurs when the seasons change, and most symptoms begin in the autumn and continue into the winter months. It is now officially known as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern . If you are experiencing symptoms of seasonal depression, it is best to see your GP or a counsellor or therapist. In recent years, mental health professionals have developed a host of simple and effective treatments. The first step to feeling better is to acknowledge the problem and to seek help for an accurate clinical diagnosis and recommendations. Understanding seasonal depression Seasonal depression is commonly associated with the arrival of winter and shorter periods of daylight. This is sometimes referred to as winter-pattern depression . However, some individuals experience this condition during spring and summer – known as summer-pattern depression —but this is not nearly as common. The key distinction in this form of depression is the seasonal component involved in the change in mood. While it’s common to feel a little blue during the winter, for some individuals the arrival of winter leads to a high level of emotional distress. If you have difficulty engaging in normal work and social activities each winter, you may be suffering from a seasonal form of depression. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses , to receive a diagnosis of seasonal depression a person has to have had episodes of depression, that begin and then subside during the same time each year, typically winter, for at least two consecutive years. The core symptoms are lethargy, sleepiness, overeating and UNDERSTANDING AND COPINGWHEN DEPRESSION SETS IN People who experience serious mood changes that occur regularly with the change of seasons may have a disorder, previously known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. As seasons change weight gain, and sadness. People with the disorder often tend to avoid social interaction. The most difficult months for people with seasonal depression are July and August, although in some cases, symptoms worsen in the spring. Seasonal mood changes can also occur with bipolar disorder. This is known as bipolar “with seasonal pattern” where a person experiences depression, mania, or hypomania at the same time of year. Signs of seasonal depression The signs and symptoms of seasonal depression are much like those of depression but with a seasonal component. People with seasonal depression usually experience several of the following symptoms each winter: While it’s common to feel a little blue during the winter, for some individuals the arrival of winter leads to a high level of emotional distress.