As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many people experience a dip in mood and energy. It’s common to feel a little sluggish or less motivated during the colder months — but when does this seasonal slump cross the line into something more serious?
Understanding the difference between the winter blues and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is important for knowing when to seek support and how to care for your mental health.
What are the Winter Blues?
The winter blues are a mild, temporary mood shift that many people experience during the colder, darker months. You might feel:
- A little more tired than usual
- Less motivated to socialize or exercise
- Mild sadness
- Decreased energy
- A bit down or irritable
These feelings are often linked to lifestyle changes like less sunlight, reduced physical activity, and fewer social interactions. While these feeling can be frustrating and confusing, they shouldn't interfere with your ability to function day-to-day. As we get closer to spring, these feeling should start to fade.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
SAD is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly appearing in fall and winter. Unlike the winter blues, SAD can significantly impact your daily life and wellbeing. Symptoms may include:
- Feeling sad or hopeless most days
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in sleep patterns (oversleeping or insomnia)
- Fatigue and low energy
- Social withdrawal
How to Tell the Difference
While the winter blues are typically mild and short-lived, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is more intense and continuous. The winter blues might make you feel a bit tired or down, but you’re still able to go about your daily life. SAD, on the other hand, can significantly interfere with your ability to function — affecting your work, relationships, routines, and overall wellbeing. If you are experiencing feelings of constant sadness lasting more than two weeks disrupting your daily routine, it might be a good time to seek support. Support can come from friends and family or a confidential resource, like a doctor or therapist.
We're Here to Support Your Mental Health
If you're struggling with seasonal depression or just feeling off this winter, you're not alone and you don’t have to navigate your feelings alone. Doctors and therapists at First Stop Health are here to provide compassionate, personalized support for your mental health.
If your employer or school provides First Stop Health Virtual Primary Care, doctors can help with:
- Wellness checkups: Your physical health and mental health are connected. Stay up-to-date on your health.
- Diagnosis & screenings: Your virtual primary care doctor can diagnose depression, anxiety, substance use disorder and more. If you already have a diagnosis, your doctor can provide continued care, as well.
- Treatments: Treatment for certain mental health conditions can include prescriptions*, lifestyle recommendations, referrals to in-network therapists and more.
If your employer or school provides First Stop Health virtual therapy or First Stop Health Mental Health Care, mental health experts can support you through anxiety, depression, work/life stress, grief, relationship issues, substance use, and more.
Schedule a visit today and take the first step toward feeling better. Your mental health matters every season of the year.
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