SAD in the Fall

When your mental health, such as anxiety or depression, starts to change when the 
seasons change, it is not a coincidence. It can actually be about the changes in your 
life, both physical and mental, that bring this on. When you experience worsened 
depression that seems to be seasonal, such as during the fall, it is called seasonal 
affective disorder (SAD). While this is more common in the colder months, some people 
also experience it in the summer or spring.

Not only can it cause depression during the fall, but anxiety as well. Here are some 
things to know about getting SAD in the fall season.


Common Signs of Seasonal Anxiety or Depression

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and seasonal anxiety have very similar symptoms. 
This includes a combination of physical and emotional changes that may come on 
suddenly, or start gradually appearing near the end of summer and beginning of fall. 
Some signs and symptoms to look out for include:

Being lethargic and having low energy
Losing interest in your favorite activities
Racing heartbeat
Becoming restless and unable to focus
Lack of concentration
Issues with sleeping too much or too little
Losing your appetite
Becoming irritable and moody
Agitation
Having an overwhelming sense of dread
Obsessing over small things

As you can see, there is a wide range of symptoms you might experience from SAD, 
which can often be the same as anxiety during the fall.


What Can Cause it?

While there is no single cause of seasonal depression and anxiety, experts believe 
there are a few different possibilities. With SAD, it is most likely associated with the 
reduced sunlight that you experience when the weather changes in the fall. With less 
exposure to the sunlight, it can affect your circadian rhythms and affect both the 
melatonin and serotonin in your brain.

With fall anxiety, it is likely from a similar problem, though anxiety can also be from the 
change in your routine, changes in the fall you weren’t prepared for, and worry for your 
children when they start school. It is a complex condition with many variables.


Treatments Available
When you are diagnosed with seasonal depression, it is important that you get proper 
treatment from your doctor or mental health professional. Depression from SAD is just 
as serious as any other type of depression.

If you are experiencing autumn anxiety, you can start with home treatments, though you 
should also see a therapist if it is lowering your quality of time.

Some treatment options include:

Breathing exercises
Changing your daily routine
Reducing caffeine intake
Using a light therapy box
Taking a vitamin D supplement

Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if these and other treatments aren’t helping.

