Finding Light in the Dark: Understanding Seasonal Depression

Finding Light in the Dark: Understanding Seasonal Depression

As the days grow shorter and the skies become gray, many people find themselves feeling unusually low. The joy and energy that once came easily start to feel distant, replaced by fatigue, mood changes, and a deep sense of disconnection. This isn’t just a case of the “winter blues.” For millions, it’s something more serious: Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

What Is Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that’s linked to the changing seasons. It typically begins in late fall or early winter and fades during the sunnier days of spring and summer. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, research points to changes in sunlight exposure affecting the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), serotonin levels (mood), and melatonin production (sleep).

Common symptoms include:

• Low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Oversleeping
• Changes in appetite, especially craving carbs
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

For some, these symptoms can be debilitating—but the good news is that help is available.

You Don’t Have to Go Through It Alone

Seeking professional help can make all the difference, and that’s where Edward Macias, PMHNP-BC comes in.

Edward is a compassionate and experienced psychiatrist who specializes in mood disorders, including Seasonal Affective Disorder. With a warm, personalized approach, he helps patients not just manage symptoms, but understand the underlying patterns and develop sustainable strategies for long-term well-being.

Whether it’s through talk therapy, medication management, lifestyle recommendations, or light therapy guidance, Edward Macias, PMHNP-BC works with you to craft a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.

Why Getting Help Matters

Too often, people minimize their struggles with seasonal depression, brushing it off as a phase or just part of winter. But SAD is real, and it deserves real attention. The earlier you reach out for help, the sooner you can start feeling like yourself again.

Nurse practitioner Edward Macias’s patients often report feeling heard, supported, and empowered—key ingredients in the healing process.

Take the First Step Toward Light

If you or someone you love struggles as the seasons shift, know this: you are not alone, and you don’t have to face it in silence. Let this season be the one where you reach out and reclaim your light.

To schedule a consultation with Edward Macias, PMHNP-BC or learn more about how they can support you through seasonal depression, visit our website and select an appointment time that works best for you.

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it."
— Helen Keller.