Fall Back, Don’t Fall Apart: Understanding and Treating Seasonal Depression

As the season changes, so do we.

As the clocks fall back and the days grow shorter, many people feel their mood start to dip. It’s not just the weather, it could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression tied to reduced daylight.

SAD doesn’t mean you're just "a little off." It’s a legitimate mental health condition that affects sleep, appetite, focus, and self-worth, especially during fall and winter months.

Symptoms of Seasonal Depression

• Feeling tired all the time, even with enough sleep

• Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy

• Increased cravings for carbs or weight gain

• Pulling away from social situations

• Trouble concentrating or staying motivated

Why It Happens

Less sunlight affects your circadian rhythm, which regulates mood and sleep. It also reduces serotonin (a feel-good chemical in the brain) and melatonin (a hormone that controls sleep-wake cycles), creating a perfect storm for depression.

What Can Help

• Light therapy lamps that simulate daylight

• Getting outside for 20+ minutes of natural light, even on cloudy days

• Exercise, even light movement, boosts mood-regulating chemicals

• Vitamin D supplements (talk to a provider before starting)

• Therapy and medication for depression management

Mental health care is essential, not optional, when SAD strikes. If you're struggling, Brightstone Psychiatry offers evidence-based treatment for seasonal depression.