Mental Health in the Shorter Days

As the days get shorter, many people notice changes in mood or energy. Seasonal changes can affect mental health, and it’s important to take care of yourself. Stay active, spend time outdoors when possible, and stay connected with friends and family.

Some people experience more than just the “winter blues.” According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often beginning in late fall or early winter and improving in spring or summer. Symptoms can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. While winter-pattern SAD is most common, some people experience symptoms in the spring and summer, known as summer-pattern SAD.
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If you have noticed significant changes in your mood or behavior with the seasons, you may be experiencing SAD. Support is available—talk with your healthcare provider if these symptoms are interfering with daily life. To learn more, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s resource on Seasonal Affective Disorder.