Mega Doctor News
It’s common for individuals to experience an emotional downturn during the winter months, a condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Primarily caused by a reduced exposure to sunlight, which disrupts the body’s internal clock and affects mood-regulating brain chemicals like melatonin and serotonin, the condition can range from mild “winter blues” to severe depression that impacts daily life.
“In most cases, SAD symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and tend to dissipate during the sunnier days of spring and summer,” says Bob Cooper, LCSW-S, Director of Utilization Review, South Texas Health System (STHS) Behavioral. “It’s a subtype of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder that occurs and ends around the same time every year.”
In the United States, SAD affects about 10 million people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with the condition more common in women than men.
“Symptoms of seasonal depression are typically consistent with those that occur with depression,” says Cooper. “So, sometimes it can be difficult to tell if someone has seasonal depression or other types of depression.”
Common symptoms include persistent sadness or low moods and loss of interest or pleasure in activities.Additionally, it can result in a disruption of sleep patterns—either you’re under sleeping or oversleeping, changes in appetite and weight.
Treating SAD is important to prevent serious complications like social isolation, impaired work or school performance, substance abuse and suicidal ideation. Proper treatment can also improve daily functioning and overall quality of life by addressing symptoms such as sadness, lack of energy, and feelings of hopelessness.
“Treatments like psychotherapy and exercise can help someone with SAD develop healthier coping mechanisms and daily routines, including improving sleep and diet,” says Cooper. “With proper treatment, SAD can be managed, leading to significant relief and a return to your normal state of well-being.”
To help educate Rio Grande Valley residents on the condition and its impact on daily life, STHS Behavioral will dedicate its latest Let’s Talk Your Mental Health webinar to SAD.
Broadcast live via South Texas Health System’s Facebook page, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, December 4, 2025, the online seminar will highlight what causes SAD, the signs and symptoms of the condition and how it’s diagnosed and treated.
The webinar will also shine a spotlight on strategies to combat SAD, including lifestyle adjustments and professional treatments that can help you beat the winter blues.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. If you’d like to view previous Let’s Talk Mental Health seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System Behavioral |
| What: | FREE virtual seminar entitled “Let’s Talk Mental Health – Seasonal Depression” |
| When: | Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Online via STHS’ Facebook page |
