Is It the Winter Blues or Something More? A Guide to Seasonal Affective Disorder

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s common to feel a little less motivated or energetic. Many people experience what’s known as the “winter blues,” a mild dip in mood that typically fades once spring arrives. 

But for some, these feelings go beyond temporary sadness and may indicate seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. 

If you have concerns that you might have the condition, you’re not alone. Around 6% of Americans experience SAD each year, and women are four times more likely to be diagnosed than men.

At Ketamine Health & Wellness Clinics of Ohio, our team has expertise in seasonal affective disorder. This guide helps you understand the condition and how we can treat it.

Seasonal affective disorder explained

SAD is a form of depression that tends to develop in the fall and winter, when shorter days and limited sunlight can impact mood and energy levels. Unlike simple winter sluggishness, SAD symptoms can interfere with your daily life and make it difficult to function normally.

Why it occurs

The exact cause of seasonal affective disorder isn’t fully understood, but several factors may contribute. ​​As daylight decreases during the colder months, it can disrupt your body’s internal rhythm, throwing off the balance of mood- and sleep-related chemicals like serotonin and melatonin. At the same time, lower vitamin D levels may add to feelings of sadness or fatigue.

Recognizing the signs

It can be hard to tell whether you’re dealing with ordinary winter blues or something more serious. Key signs of SAD include:

• Feeling sad or hopeless most of the day
• Losing interest in hobbies or social activities
• Having low energy or sleeping much more than usual
• Changes in appetite or eating habits
• Trouble focusing or making decisions
• Pulling away from friends and family
• Constant tiredness or lack of motivation

If these symptoms last for several weeks or start affecting your daily life, it’s time to book an appointment with our team.

Getting the help and support you need

If seasonal depression is affecting your mood and motivation, we offer innovative treatments like ketamine and Spravato® (esketamine) that can provide rapid relief. Unlike standard antidepressants, these treatments act on different pathways in your brain to help improve mood and ease depression, often within just a few days.

When paired with counseling, physical activity, and healthy nutrition, they can strengthen emotional balance and overall wellness. 

If sadness or low energy lingers this winter, don’t ignore it — it could be seasonal affective disorder. We have proven options to help you feel better.

Reach out to our mental health professionals to learn if ketamine or Spravato therapy might be your answer. Call our team in Dublin, Ohio, today to book an appointment or click here to schedule your visit.