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“My mood drops every winter”
A short answer
A mood that drops around the same time every year may be seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that usually starts in late fall or early winter and eases in spring and summer. It's more than the winter blues, and it's treatable. It helps to plan ahead, before the hardest months.
What we'd like you to know
Seasonal affective disorder isn't a separate condition. It's depression that follows a seasonal pattern. Winter SAD often brings sleeping much more than usual, craving carbohydrates, weight gain and pulling away from people, along with the low mood, low energy and loss of interest of depression.
Treatment options include light therapy, talk therapy and antidepressants. Studies of vitamin D for SAD have had mixed results. Because the pattern repeats, it helps to plan ahead. Some medications can help, including one approved to help prevent winter episodes when it's started in the fall.
SAD is more common in people with bipolar disorder, especially bipolar II, so we always ask about periods of unusually high energy or less need for sleep. That changes the treatment plan. If you have bipolar disorder, talk with your provider before starting light therapy.
Something to think about
Which sounds like you?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
That's a common winter pattern of SAD. It's worth talking about, especially if it's happened two or more years in a row.
SAD: more than winter bluesGood timing. Starting care early in the season gives a plan more time to help.
Depression can be present year-round and get worse in winter. The evaluation sorts out the pattern, which shapes the plan.
Depression care at ANKPlease mention this at your evaluation. High-energy periods can be a sign of bipolar disorder, which changes the treatment plan.
If your moods swing up and downThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
What helps your first visit
Tick what applies, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Myth or fact? Seasonal depression
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1Seasonal affective disorder is just the winter blues.
Myth. SAD is a type of depression. It affects how you feel, think and handle daily activities during those months.
2Light therapy is one of the main treatments for winter SAD.
Fact. Light therapy, using a special bright light box each day, is a common treatment. Ask your provider before starting, especially if you have an eye condition or take a medication that makes you sensitive to light. If you have bipolar disorder, talk with your provider before starting light therapy.
3Since it comes back every year, there's no point treating it.
Myth. SAD is treatable, and because it follows a pattern, you and your provider can plan ahead.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Start your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2A careful evaluation
We look at your mood over the whole year, your sleep, health and history, and ask about any high-energy periods.
3A plan for the season
We talk through the options, which may include light therapy, medication and practical changes to your routine, and you decide together with your provider.
4Regular follow-ups
We check in regularly through the season and adjust carefully. Regular follow-ups are how patients stay on track.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- NIMH: Seasonal affective disorder
- MedlinePlus: Seasonal affective disorder (light therapy side effects, including mania, rarely)
- NIMH: Depression
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from the sources above, checked October 26, 2026.
- The medication approved to help prevent winter episodes, with its FDA label, is listed on our major depressive disorder page.
- What happens at ANK describes our own approach; it isn't drawn from these sources.
- General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Other starting points