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Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. You can experience it during particular seasons or times of year. 

There are things you can do to help you to cope. And there's treatment available for depression.

My energy levels fluctuated between autumn/winter and spring/summer. I absolutely dreaded the onset of darker days and felt that I was literally shutting down.

Understanding seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Find out more about SAD, how it can affect you and what causes it. Learn that it's not just something you experience in winter.

Tips for coping with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Find out about some of the things that might help you to cope with SAD.

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Learn about some of the treatments that might help with SAD. They include talking therapies, medication and light boxes.

How to help someone with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Find tips to help you to support someone who's experiencing SAD.

Your stories

Blog: “Misconceptions surrounding SAD”

female holding small dog, smiling at it

Blog: “How I found the joy in SAD”

Published: September 2025

Next review planned: September 2028

References and bibliography available on request.

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