What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? | Kati Morton 

During the winter I always wonder why I feel so annoyed and irritated so quickly. Then, when the sun comes out, suddenly I'm the nicest/happiest person ever.

It's that time of the years my dudes

In Canada, winter spans almost the entire school year. It's extremely hard to not be depressed during school in the gray of winter

I hate cold more than most people I believe. Going outside is not an option for me. So I tend to stay indoors and hibernate most of the winter. My true and long lasting therapy is to move to warmer climates. I'm sure that would nip this SAD crap in the bud.

I'm the opposite. I'm best during winter months and struggle more during the rest of the year.

When she was going over the the signs of SAD I was like "Damn, she's calling me out."

I need to move somewhere warm, I’m only productive 2 seasons our of 4. ruining my life

I have S.A.D. but it was worse on the East Coast (where I'm from) and got better in the Seattle area! Ha ha! Most people would think the opposite. I get depressed if it DOESN'T rain sometimes.

Hello darkness my old friend Why are you here its 4pm Ah, seasonal affective disorder, we meet again. 😑

Could you please do video about how stereotypes affect someone mental health? It is really hurt to have negative label and people look at you differently without actually know who you really are instead of what they see in the media or heard from others about either your faith, gender, race, class, country, etc. Thanks for your videos! :)

this video really resonates with me. I know I've been dealing with depressive issues and it does mostly affect me around the holidays from canadian thanksgiving through to about easter, I already have an appointment with a physician this week coming and I think this might be something to discuss with her.

I have severe depression, anxiety, and ADD. My depression does get way worse during the winter though, and it’s extremely difficult this year to do anything productive.

Great video! Before I knew that SAD even existed I literally thought that I was going crazy because I have been struggling with this for several years in a row and I had no idea why, and I tried speaking with friends and relatives about it but most thought that I was just experiencing the typical "winter blues" and basically told me to grow up and get over it. Either way I decided to do some research and found out about SAD. It's good to know that I'm not losing my mind haha. So far I haven't taken any medication, or sought professional help, but a good coping method for me is meditation, it keeps the negative thoughts away and lightens up my mood a bit, I actually might invest on a light box since fall is coming soon unfortunately.

I have felt with this every year for the last 4 years but when I first got it I didn't realize what it was. It took me a while to figure out what was affecting me. This is the first year I'm able to truly understand myself and work twords fixing it. Thank you.

Thank you Kati, this winter has been the worst. I really thought I was going crazy. This video put me at ease. Thank you. You hit right on everything I've been feeling. I also just watched your video on aging and depression. I'm 49. I've been snapping in anger and I felt so much better when you talked about that. I thought I was the only one. You're so sweet to offer these videos to us for free. You'll never know how much we appreciate them. You will be blessed. Lots of love.

For me at least, my SAD heightens the depression I already have in the winter time. Great video! Perfect timing and I'm so glad you make these videos, they really help me feel less alone and understand what's going on better.

Another great video as always Kati! Thank you for everything you do on here, you're a true inspiration! ❤️

Great video, you have a very likeable personality ! Two often overlooked aspects I find that contribute to depression is loneliness and to SAD specifically, is feelings of cold. Even in the summer if the AC is particularly strong and my hands and feet are cold, I find I become very lethargic and can sleep all day. After going outside and warming up I feel like my energy levels go back up. In the winter I always have that cold feeling and it makes it more difficult to find motivation to get ready and hit the gym or go run errands. Secondly loneliness I feel is a major contributor to SAD and depression in general. I find when I'm by myself majority of the time at work and at home I start feeling isolated and detached from everything and this is when depressive symptoms start to ramp up. Especially if I'm alone surrounded by people. However if I'm around company I genuinely feel connected to I feel much better in the moment and I notice my energy levels go up again.

I get reverse sad. Every damn spring...

Katie thank you so much for making and sharing these videos. I've followed them off and on since at least 2019. Of all the videos I've seen on this topic, yours is the first I've heard mention sensitivity to rejection as a symptom. I find that fascinating.

Another fantastic video, Kati. Thanks very much for your videos. They've been of great help to me lately.

As someone doing psychology and counselling, youre my idol!

Wow, this was so informative! Thank you for sending me the link to this video, Kati! I am SO relieved to learn that SAD can cause appetite changes and weight gain, because I swear, all I want to do is eat! Which is really frustrating, since I'm about 100 pounds overweight and am trying hard to eat nutritious, healthy foods and exercise! SAD and living in a dark, cloudy, gloomy climate really thwart my weight loss endeavors. But, I won't give up!

Thank you Kati! You are extremely inspiring to me :)

I live in FL and have always gotten so depressed over summer. I hate heat and humidity. Lived in ND for a year and loved every minute of it. Hopefully I can move out there permanently in the future. Give me cold and snow any day.

I noticed this morning and the morning before, getting up and sitting in the morning sun for fifteen minutes while eating breakfast made a noticeable difference in my general mood all day. I definitely need to change my sleeping habits and try to get a light, but it will take time and patience to figure out a routine for the winter months.

#KatiFAQ Hey, Kati! Thank you for this video. I have been having an issue sometimes when I try to eat. I gag when I try to chew my food and it's very unpleasant and I have to spit it out most of the time because I'm afraid that I'll get sick and I do NOT handle throwing up well AT ALL, whether it's myself being sick or anyone else or even seeing it in a movie. It makes my stomach sore and uncomfortable. I was wondering if the gagging could be an ED thing? I have never made myself get physically sick and never will, but I do have EDNOS. I experienced the gagging last spring but it hasn't been a problem again until recently. I'm sorry if you've already answered a question like this. I checked and I don't think you have. I love your videos.

#KatiFAQ ....Thank you so much for your videos, Kati! :) I have a couple possible video ideas for the future. 1) Postpartum Depression 2) Complex PTSD Thanks again for all you do and your sincere support of complete strangers!

Yes! My college transition has made more difficult I've made the move from California to north of Seattle... it definitely feels like winter is a hibernation period here that doesn't seem to happen in the Bay Area. Thank you for this video, I appreciate the tips.

I have it and it fucking sucks. I hate winter with a burning passion. I have to get out of Illinois. Trapped inside for 5 months is no way to live.

I like to be more specific about the SUN and it's effect on the brain for people who live in the northern latitudes. In the Fall, the SUN moves south into the southern hemisphere, people get sad. When the SUN begins to come back, people get happy, as in the Spring--Both plants and people are completely dependent on the energy of the SUN.

My worst time of the year is january to april. I just feel horrible, i hate myself and i lose interest in friendships and i convince myself that everyone is lying to me :(

I despise summer, but I don't know if I have this disorder because I feel depressed year round. I feel awful about being in a bathing suit, shorts, short sleeves etc. and hot weather makes me super irritable, angry, sad, and actually cheated out of a period of time where I'm comfortable with what is around me, and my body in general.

I have this everytime it’s the fall because that’s when I have to go back to school

This was such a helpful video - thank you Kati! I've been wondering for a while if I suffer with SAD, I'm not so sure after watching this - it seems to be more of an all year round up and down thing as opposed to just seasonal. I'll be sure to look more in to it. :) xx

Mine is so severe that I develope intense hypersomnia 😔. Not even just the winter, it can be a random week in May that just happens to be cloudy or even 1 random rainy day

Never been diagnosed with this but the moment the days get shorter and the sky turns grey I am suicidal can't get out of bed. Crying uncontrollably. And just in a really bad way and when spring comes I am elated all the time and so excitable.

This was really helpful. Thanks Kati

كلام جميل والفتا اجمل شكران على أسلوب الحوار .استفدت🌹🌸

Hi Kati, I was wondering if (one time, maybe in a video or a comment) you could explain the differences between therapists, psychiatrists and psychologists and why/what you would go to each one for? Also, I love your videos and totally agree with your new schedule for your videos, also I love the TV guide on your website, it's so helpful to find the exact video you want, thank you so much for your videos as well! Xxxx

good video kati. Informative and accurate. Helps those of us who live in the North and I guess anyone in the Northern latitudes!

Canada is a great country to live and is considered in the top 10 countries from a standard of living point of view. But the biggest downside is winter. Winter is a living hell for me and so many other Canadians and SAD is one of about literally 20 reasons. I just got a light box. I hope it is the right kind!

#KatiFAQ Hi Kati, just wondering what the best approach when work is affecting our recovery or triggering? I work in the fitness industry, I love what I do how ever I find it triggers my ED. My ED voice loves hearing fro people how much weight i have lost and how good i am looking. My logical voice get really upset when people tell me i am their inspiration or that I should stick with what i am doing coz it is working. Obviously i can not just give up my job but are there any good coping skills i can use in situation where i can not control what people are saying to me? thanks

Couldn't the weather play a role too? I have lived all over. Grew up in the Boston area, went to school in Syracuse, lived in Tel Aviv for a year. I found in Syracuse I had more SAD in the fall then I would living in Boston because it was so cold, I wasn't even motivated to go out at night and just wanted to stay in my dorm. While living in Tel Aviv in December I was in my Spring, Summer, and Fall routine, with the 80 F weather, gaining out for walks, biking, being active, working more often. So even knowing the sun was still sitting around 5, I felt how I would in July in Boston.

Thanks 🙏 for your video and have a nice 👍 day and saludos from Mexico 🇲🇽

Winter used to not affect me so much before I had situational depression. But after I began having situational depression (that has a cause that isn't even related to the weather), for the past 2 years I have had anhedonia in the winter. And the contrast between those anhedonic and non-anhedonic depression times is brutal. The cold months here are about a month after the December holidays, and that icy weather paired with the end of uplifting decorations, the end of good times with family members due to long distance, the return to school/work and little to no warmth and sunlight hits me like a sack of bricks every year 😂. But I will keep on soaking in whatever ounce of sunlight I can grab, playing with other people's dogs, and eating lots of oranges--cause those simple things make winter so much more livable for me! ❤

I’m a little concerned because when i have depression from SAD, it’s more than the symptoms you described. I get more anxious easily, and can have terrible ocd intrusive thoughts

Spring is dark too. It’s cold , cloudy and rainy. I hate it. I’m taking medication for reg anxiety but it doesn’t really work during winter and spring.

Dealing with that right now….I live in the Midwest and the weather is destroying me.

This happens in the summer as well

Can I have this in the summer?

hello Kati I need to fond some sort of therapy but I would like you assistance to do so ?

Hello as a new subscriber i have a question. I have beenin therapy for two years now for trauma abuse and ptsd. The ptsd has effected my life to the point where i cant work full time. After two years my therapist is working on edmt (might ofspelled it incirrectly)With me. Do you have any vids on youtube on this therapy? And in your opinion does it work? Does the ptsd ever get better? I have had a trauma therapist a regular therapist and a psychilogist. I sometimes get impatient. What is your reaction tothis?

I´d like to mention one big important fact: Meds don´t suit everyone. For me they didn´t make much difference, just lots of side effects.. Basketball was the only thing that made me happy, just hanging round the court all day enjoying pick-up games. I am a musician, but for example I didn´t find any joy in making music or even listening to it: Just try everything out there is, like Sports or any other phisically activating activities, and your spirit and mind will heal automatically as you find joy in those. Meds are the last solution, and a 50/50 chance in making things worse in my case!

I read something today about how seasonal changes can affect the moods of someone with Bipolar Disorder. Is this true? I was reading up about it because I've noticed a pattern in my mood changes in specific seasons - Summer I am more inclined to mixed episodes (which I'm experiencing right now), Spring is more manic and Winter is depression. Just wondering what your thoughts are on that?

During Autumn and Winter, I feel very still. I have been like that for awhile especially because I am in a dorm room with linoleum floors, fluorescent light and practically little to no heating during these months, and it is coming, on top of that I have PMDD, I wish I can just catch a break. :(

Hi Kati! I really appreciate you making these videos because they have helped my parents as well as myself understand more about my struggles with mental health. I'm just wondering why my depression gets worse in the summer? Does it still count as SAD when it's not in the winter? It starts in the spring and continues into the summer. I do get sunlight in the summer, and being an east coaster, the winters are pretty long. However that doesn't really explain it... if anything it makes things more confusing.

There are a few people i see who have commented on the cold being a key factor in their SADs. I believe this to be much more of a factor for myself than the light because for the last 2 years I've worked a shift from 3pm-8pm where i am indoors with no windows so would not really notice the change in daylight hours. By the time i get off work with the exception of a few months its dark regardless. I do have a daylight and its great but whats noticeable to me is that the winter days when its +10 and raining i actually feel better than when its -4 and sunny. And last year we had a warmer than usual winter and I was fine. This year i can't seem to get out of my own way with temperature as low as -23 so far. Can your body's inability to retain heat also reduce melatonin and serotonin levels? Or is there another level I should be checking for. FYI I've had my thyroid checked and its working perfectly.

#katifaq is there a certain amount of time you have to be manic/ depressed to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder? I think I have bipolar disorder (have not been professionally diagnosed yet). I can go from manic to depressed within minutes is that normal. Thanks.

I really want to do good. Really be better with my performance in school, but when october comes, things go off as the plan. Smh

Getting a light box hope it helps, feel terrible. Rain and too dark, its bad in UK now, literally no sunlight 😪

I experience exactly these symptoms every year. But I have them in the summer and not in the winter. Every year since I was about 22 years old I have become horribly depressed every late May/early June with severe irritability, massive fatigue and lethargy, crying spells and a body that aches so bad I can barely drag myself to work in the morning. I despise the heat and the bright sunlight and these things actually become physically painful for me. I am positive I am suffering from some kind of SAD variant but I have only found suggestions for people who have it in the winter. What is recommended for people who have SAD in the summer?

My mother also deals with SAD. Not sure about my grandmother, but I'm guessing she might have it, too, since dementia and various mental disorders have been known to run on that side of my family.

Any suggestions for a shift worker? (not all night shifts, some days too; it switches back and forth!) I feel like this is definitely messing with my circadian rhythm and natural melatonin levels.

Kati I'm trying to register on your website but my activation email isn't coming through… tried twice and checked my junk inbox just in case and I got nothing :(

I feel like I have a sleeping disorder but I don't know what it is. It takes me hours to get to sleep and I can rarely stay asleep. It means I miss a lot of school and I'm falling behind in the majority of my subjects. I also over sleep or under sleep. I can't remember the last time I had a good nights sleep. I also get sad in winter. I don't have insomnia. I get anxiety attacks and I'm constantly paranoid. I don't really know what to do but a friend of mine sent me a link to your page, so I just need some kind of identification on why I'm like this and how it can stop. Sorry for the huge ramble paragraph. Thanks x

I deal with it every year. Some worse than others. Very debilitating for me this year.

Would love to hear from a SAD sufferer who lived in the northern US and then moved far south like FL, AZ or similar and if/how that helped them. Moving has crossed my mind.

Can this affect people at other times then winter? I have a really hard time this time of year. My two brothers died in a car accident in May 2006, and my depression and suicidal symptoms seem to always get worse this time of year. They seem worse this year because of the pandemic and everything so now I'm wondering if I have this too.

Could someone with bipolar get seasonal affective disorder?

Aye it's that time. Thanks Kati!

I always feel depressed around fall all through spring because I hate winter. I am somewhat happy as long I keep myself busy but how do I know I may have SAD?

My mother has this and because of this I wasn't able to see my family back east. Anyway when I told people my mom had it, literally a baby tried to comfort her. My mother did not wanted to see her though.

Can someone have both winter and spring/summer SAD? On November, February and April/May I feel very depressed. I wonder if it's possible.

hey Kati, I think I have anxiety and panic attacks and want to see someone about it but get it gets me nervous. What do I say? I forget what it feels likes to have a panic the next day when it's time to talk about it. How did it start and build up? and I just get really nervous what if it's not anxiety? And I don't want my parents or friends knowing I'm seeing a therapist cause I don't want them to think it's because of attention I really think whats going on is a problem

I have had deep depression for ab a year, winter just makes it SM worse .

I hate fall. I tolerate winter. I love spring. I like summer.

what can I substitute for sunlight ?

Thank you for this Kati , I'm still confused with myself though because i get pretty depressed more so of the winter month's like i just find myself crying all the time especially when I'm alone but yet wake up in the middle of the night a few time's and suffer with "Depression symptoms" But yet it only seem's to be in the cold months. What would you say?? i have nothing to be sad about i have a great life but yet sometimes it can be hard when I'm alone.

I always get so depressed during Christmas/around Christmas time, I think it's bc my parents and I live far away and can't really spend it with the rest of the family. I actually dread Christmas. It's so bad I know and I wish I didn't feel this way but I always do, I always end up crying every Christmas 😞

I have SAD really bad and i hate it. for me its because i currently live somewhere where it is long winter and spring doesnt arrive till late so i get depressed when i see it looks nice elsewhere....i just wanna be in warm always and flowers etc.

what is it called if u don't have it in fall or winter then?

This is a long shot but I am really badly depressed from January-November and I know its because of Christmas. Its really hard for me almost all year around and its got so bad I need help but I really don't want to go to a doctor about it, is there anything you can suggest? I'm not sure if this is reverse s.a.d or what but it would mean the world to me if you could help.

Hi Kati, so I'm 18 and in grade 12 in Canada. And I've been dealing with depression, social anxiety and substance abuse. Every time Ive had a major episode it was triggered by something my family did. My treatment team strongly suggested that I move out and go on assisted living where pretty much the government supports me financially. Literally everyone in my treatment team thinks I should do it, there just waiting for my go ahead to start the process. They said I will never be able to get 100% better as long as I'm in this environment. I know what the smart answer is but I'm just scared to do it. I feel guilty for just considering it. I know you've done a video on moving out on your own, but not one on if ur still in high school. I'd just like an outsider opinion, ur amazing and love ur videos 😊

Would the melatonin levels increase from the lack of sunlight and that is the cause of the decreased energy levels, due to too much melatonin causing us to want to go to bed?

What if you have depression all year but it's worse in the winter?

Can you have SAD and major depression? Also I was wondering, why do I still struggle so much with my major depression when I'm on the right medication, been without a pyciatrist/psychologist/dietitian and hospital for over 6 months? Basically, is life going to always to suck if you have mental illness?

Ok so I have a #katifaq What is your views/advice on deciding to go through with a re-trial? I went to the police in 2006 aged 18, on my own. I reported a crime that was commited against me (childhood sexual abuse 8-13 years old). 2yrs later there was a crown court case. He got not guilty. I feel the police & CPS completely let me down & failed me. I wasn't offered any help/support & wasn't informed of what was happening. I found out from my mum that he got not guilty as she went to the verdict, I was never contacted again from anyone or informed anything or offered any help/support. 6 years later I am seriously considering requesting a retrial. I have arranged an app with a solicitor to get legal advise etc. but I don't know wether this is a good idea or not?? It's such a huge massive impacting decision to make. Would love your advise on this please xxx

I wonder how the science works for people who get it during the summer

Hi for the past six or seven months I have been feeling very depressed. I'm very secretive about this so much I'm not even using my main account for this comment. I can't tell my parents grandparents or anybody at all. Also I feel like I want to get help but I feel like i just want to stay the way i am at the same time. I just relly feel like I need some help dealing with it. Thanks.

Does anybody feel like there surroundings get real dark and treacherous when winter comes around

So many times I read or hear about something I'm like: Oh yeah, I have that. I seem to have SAD, I definitely have PMS, I (did) struggle with depression and selfharm and I have a sleeping disorder. But I never go see a doctor, because all the symptoms appear and disappear (PMS only like 12 days a month, SAD only in winter (I'm sooo happy right now because spring startet) and also my sleeping problems are sometime worse and sometimes better.) Maybe I should go to a doctor to work stuff out. But I live in a small town and we don't have that many therapists, so if see one, I get the appointment that somebody else might need more.

hi Katy well I've been through some life changing events that are pretty dramatic and I just feel tired I'm irritable and I don't like myself how can I change myself to be myself again..I tried talking about it but the more I do I have nightmares about it..I'm having really extremely sweaty hands also what should I do?

#katifaq what is the difference between major depressive disorder and depression? Is there ven a difference? Thanks.

It's 3:30pm and getting dark. It sucks. It won't get light until March. Whyyyyyyyy

i dont have SAD but i know someone who does, what can i do to help them feel a little better

I have a concern about stalking a therapist via social media and being close to the places where she is usually there. I know this is not a right behavior and I felt guilty about now, but how can I make sure to not go to it again and wether or not should I tell the therapist about it ? #katifaq

I only get it from Spring/ ( sometimes) Summer

***** #faq Is a child who is constantly picking scabs more prone to SH? Scabs that have been repeatedly picked at for months.. Thank you for all your videos.

sooo, I don't know why they would take you off the med. and back on, and then you have withdrawal from not being on it, and then put you back on the med.and then you're waiting for another month for results and then you're going back and forth and then bad cycle. soid suggest you stay on the med. trust me I know the feeling.