Holiday season can come with seasonal depression, experts warn

Experts say lack of daylight leads to seasonal depression

Seasonal affective disorder affects about 5% of U.S. adults each year and can worsen around the holidays. Symptoms include irritability, fatigue, sadness, and increased sleep. Experts recommend checking in on loved ones and seeking support through therapy, vitamin D checks, or light therapy.

ATLANTA - As families across Georgia prepare for Thanksgiving, mental health professionals are urging people to watch for signs of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — a form of depression that emerges during the darker, colder months of the year.

By the numbers:

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 5% of U.S. adults experience SAD annually, often triggered by reduced sunlight as winter approaches.

Recognizing the symptoms

What they're saying:

Laura Morris, a licensed professional counselor in the Atlanta area, says SAD symptoms go beyond the typical "winter blues."

"You might feel a little more irritability, some sadness, fatigue, a desire to sleep a lot longer," Morris said.

She explains that shorter days and earlier sunsets can trigger isolation.

"It does coincide with cold. A lot of times people want to stay in and have a sense of isolation — almost like a hibernating state," she said.

For a clinical diagnosis, Morris notes that symptoms must last at least two weeks. Left untreated, SAD can affect a person’s energy, mood, and participation in holiday activities.

The holiday challenge

The holidays can be especially difficult for people with SAD because of the pressure to be cheerful.

"There’s a season of togetherness and joy, and people expect you to be really happy and welcoming," Morris said. "But if you’re in a seasonal depression, you may not feel connected in that type of way."

How to help and get help

What you can do:

Morris encourages people to check in on loved ones and watch for withdrawal or mood changes.

For those experiencing symptoms, she recommends several treatment options:

• Talk to a trusted healthcare provider
• Engage in psychotherapy
• Check vitamin D levels
• Consider light therapy, which mimics natural sunlight

Resources for immediate support

What you can do:

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or struggling with depression can call or text 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for free, confidential help 24/7.