Written by Glintcare Clinical Team
Our multidisciplinary clinical team develops and reviews educational mental health content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with current clinical practice.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically starting in autumn or winter and improving in spring. While less common near the equator, SAD can still affect people in regions with seasonal changes.
Recognising SAD
Symptoms of SAD mirror those of major depression and include low energy, oversleeping, carbohydrate cravings and weight gain, social withdrawal, and a heavy, leaden feeling in the arms or legs. The symptoms predictably appear during specific seasons and fully remit during others.
What Causes SAD?
The leading theory involves reduced exposure to sunlight, which can disrupt the body's circadian rhythms, lower serotonin levels, and alter melatonin production. This biological response to decreased light triggers depressive symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Effective Treatments
Light Therapy: Sitting in front of a specialised light box for 20–30 minutes each morning
Vitamin D Supplementation: May help, particularly in those with deficiency
CBT for SAD: Adapted to address seasonal-specific thinking patterns
Medication: SSRIs can prevent seasonal episodes when started before symptom onset
Lifestyle: Morning walks, regular exercise, and maximising natural light exposure
Planning Ahead
If you experience SAD, planning ahead can make a significant difference. Starting light therapy or medication before symptoms typically begin can prevent or reduce the severity of an episode.
At Glintcare
We help you understand your seasonal patterns and develop a personalised prevention and treatment plan. Depression should not depend on the calendar — relief is available year-round.
