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Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder in Maryland | Winter Mental Health Support – RASS Psychiatry

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Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder: How Winter Darkness Impacts Your Mood in Maryland

RASS Psychiatry & Wellness Services – Columbia, Maryland

As temperatures drop and daylight fades, many people in Maryland notice a shift in their mood, energy, and motivation. While it’s normal to feel a little low in the winter, some individuals experience symptoms severe enough to disrupt daily life. This condition is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a form of depression that appears during late fall and winter.

If you’ve been feeling “off” lately, you’re not alone. Understanding SAD can help you get the right support and reclaim your emotional well-being this season.

What Exactly Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression triggered by reduced exposure to natural sunlight, especially during winter months. In Maryland, where winter days are shorter and often cloudy, SAD is increasingly common.

SAD can affect your:

  • Mood – persistent sadness or irritability

  • Energy – constant fatigue or feeling “slowed down”

  • Sleep – oversleeping or difficulty waking up

  • Motivation – loss of interest in activities

  • Appetite – increased cravings for carbs or weight changes

These symptoms usually begin in late fall and continue until early spring.

Why Winter Darkness Affects Your Mood

When sunlight decreases, several changes happen inside the body:

1. Lower Serotonin Levels

Less sunlight can reduce serotonin — a brain chemical responsible for mood and happiness.

2. Increased Melatonin Production

Darker days trigger more melatonin, making you feel sleepy, sluggish, or unmotivated.

3. Disrupted Internal Clock

Shorter days confuse your biological clock, affecting:

  • Sleep patterns

  • Appetite

  • Emotional balance

These shifts can make everyday tasks feel heavier than usual.

Common Signs You May Have SAD

If you experience three or more of the following during winter, SAD may be the cause:

  • Feeling down most of the day

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Social withdrawal (“I don’t feel like doing anything”)

  • Strong cravings for sweets or carbs

  • Oversleeping

  • Low energy

  • Loss of interest in hobbies

  • Feelings of hopelessness

How to Manage Seasonal Affective Disorder

The good news? SAD is treatable. With the right support and lifestyle changes, you can significantly improve your winter well-being.

1. Light Therapy (Phototherapy)

Exposure to a special light box can boost serotonin and reduce symptoms.

2. Medication Management

If symptoms are severe, antidepressant medications may help stabilize mood and restore energy.

3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you reframe negative thoughts and build healthy winter habits.

4. Vitamin D Support

Low sunlight often leads to Vitamin D deficiency — a known mood influencer. Your provider may recommend testing or supplements.

5. Daily Lifestyle Adjustments

  • Spend more time outdoors during daylight

  • Keep sleep patterns consistent

  • Engage in regular physical activity

  • Stay connected socially

Patient-Centered Support at RASS Psychiatry

At RASS Psychiatry & Wellness Services in Columbia, Maryland, we understand how winter can impact your mental health. Our team offers:

  • Personalized evaluations

  • Medication management

  • Therapy options

  • Lifestyle guidance

  • Ongoing winter-season support

You don’t have to navigate seasonal depression alone. Help is available — and recovery is possible.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been feeling unusually tired or down this winter, it may be more than “just the weather.” Seasonal Affective Disorder is real, common, and highly treatable with professional support.

Reach out to RASS Psychiatry today and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again this season.

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