Could Your Fall Funk Be Seasonal Affective Disorder?

You may look forward to the cooler weather that comes with fall, especially after such a long, hot summer. But if you find yourself in a bit of funk, feeling more tired, less motivated, or off as the days get shorter, you may have seasonal affective disorder or SAD.

SAD is a type of depression linked to changes in sunlight hours, appearing in the fall and winter and lifting in the spring and summer. 

At Reviv Functional Psychiatry & TMS Wellness Center in Fullerton, California, our compassionate psychiatrist, Dr. Hina Sidhu, specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of depression, including SAD. 

Could your fall funk be seasonal affective disorder? Read on to find out.

About seasonal affective disorder

SAD is a type of depression that occurs during times of the year with fewer daylight hours. While many people experience the winter blues, the low mood and energy usually fade within a couple of weeks. 

SAD is more than the winter blues, causing overwhelming changes in mood and energy that last 4-5 months and occur every year during the fall and winter seasons.

While researchers are still looking into the cause of SAD, they theorize that fewer sunlight hours may affect your body’s circadian rhythm — the internal clock that influences sleep patterns, hormone levels, and appetite. 

It’s believed that fewer hours of light may affect melatonin (a hormone that makes you sleepy) and serotonin (a neurotransmitter that influences mood) levels, triggering the changes in mood and energy. 

Signs and symptoms of SAD

SAD symptoms are similar to those of clinical depression. They may include:

• Low mood that lasts all day for more than two weeks
• Feeling hopeless, helpless, or guilty
• Poor concentration
• Low energy
• Lack of  motivation
• Irritable or restless

People with SAD may also sleep more, eat more, and avoid social outings.

Is it more than fall funk?

Fall brings shorter days, colder temperatures, and less sunlight, all of which can affect how you feel. You may feel less energetic and want to stay indoors and hibernate. Add in the stress of the upcoming holiday season, and it’s easy to feel weighed down.

But if your low mood or fatigue lasts more than two weeks and begins to interfere with your daily routine, it may be SAD rather than a passing funk. 

You’re at greater risk of SAD if you have a history of depression or bipolar disorder. 

Treating SAD

SAD is treatable, and with the right care, you can feel like yourself again. Treatment for SAD focuses on the underlying cause of the mood changes and symptom management. 

Light therapy

Light therapy is one of the standard treatments for SAD and involves sitting in front of a light therapy box for at least 20 minutes every day. Many folks notice an improvement in symptoms within two weeks after starting light therapy. 

Psychiatric medication

Antidepressants are an effective tool that alleviates symptoms. It may take several weeks to notice the full effects.

Talk therapy

Talk therapy helps you understand the thoughts that trigger your feelings and develop healthier coping strategies.

Because SAD tends to return every year, starting treatment early before symptoms become severe can help reduce its severity and duration.

Does fall leave you feeling sad, drained, or unmotivated? You don’t have to push through it on your own. Our team can help determine whether your symptoms are SAD and create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better.

Call us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward happier days.