As the days become shorter and temperatures drop, many people notice shifts in their energy, motivation, and mood. For some, these changes feel mild — a natural slowdown during colder months. But for others, the change is much more noticeable, causing emotional heaviness, fatigue, and difficulty functioning.

This raises an important question:

Is this simply a seasonal pattern, or is it a sign of major depression?

Understanding the difference can help you recognize what’s happening in your body and mind — and can guide you toward the right type of support. At Aurora Wellness, we work with individuals throughout White Plains and Brooklynwho are trying to understand these patterns and find relief.

What Are Seasonal Affective Patterns?

Seasonal affective patterns, often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), describe periods of depression that follow a predictable, seasonal pattern — most commonly during the fall and winter months.

Sunlight plays a key role in regulating our biological rhythms, mood-related neurotransmitters, and sleep cycles. As daylight decreases, these systems shift, and some individuals become more vulnerable to mood changes.

Most common symptoms include:

• Lowered mood or irritability

• Loss of interest or motivation

• Fatigue, or feeling “weighed down”

• Oversleeping or difficulty waking

• Increased appetite, especially for carbohydrates

• Difficulty concentrating or staying productive

• Withdrawal from social activities

• Feeling “slowed down” mentally or physically

Many people describe it as feeling “not like myself” during the winter months.

✔ Key feature of seasonal patterns

Symptoms start and end around the same time each year, improving as daylight returns.

What Is Major Depression?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a longer-lasting condition that is not tied to seasonal changes. It can appear at any time of year and may persist for weeks, months, or even years without treatment.

Major depression may involve:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or numbness

• Loss of interest in hobbies or relationships

• Appetite changes

• Sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping)

• Hopelessness or excessive guilt

• Low energy or lack of motivation

• Trouble concentrating or completing tasks

• Social withdrawal

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

  
  

✔ Key feature of major depression

Symptoms occur year-round and do not improve in response to seasonal patterns alone.

How Seasonal Depression and Major Depression Overlap

While the causes may differ, seasonal and major depression often involve:

• Sleep disruption

• Emotional heaviness

• Fatigue

• Loss of interest

• Difficulty functioning

• Social withdrawal

Because of these similarities, it’s very common for people to mistake major depression for seasonal sadness — or to overlook how serious their symptoms have become.

Conversely, some people believe they have major depression when, in reality, their symptoms follow a strong seasonal pattern that responds well to targeted treatment.

Key Differences Between Seasonal Patterns and Major Depression

Below is a clear breakdown to help distinguish the two:

1. When Symptoms Occur

• Seasonal: Begins in fall/winter, improves consistently in spring/summer

• Major depression: No seasonal pattern; symptoms can emerge anytime

2. Duration and Predictability

• Seasonal: Occurs at the same time each year

• Major depression: Can be continuous or episodic without seasonal cues

3. Biological Triggers

• Seasonal: Reduced sunlight, circadian rhythm shifts, melatonin changes

• Major depression: Genetics, brain chemistry differences, medical conditions, trauma, stress

4. Impact on Functioning

Both can impair daily functioning, but major depression tends to be more persistent and can escalate without intervention.

5. Treatment Approach

Seasonal patterns often respond to light-related or circadian-focused strategies
Major depression may require long-term treatment involving medication and other medical interventions.

Can You Have Both Seasonal Depression and Major Depression?

Yes — and many people do.

It’s possible to experience:

• Major depression with seasonal worsening

• Seasonal depression several years in a row that eventually becomes year-round

• A combination of biological and environmental triggers

This overlap can make diagnosis tricky without professional support.

At Aurora Wellness, we evaluate not just symptoms, but also timing, patterns, medical history, stress factors, and previous treatment responses to determine what type of depression a patient is experiencing.

Why Seasonal Patterns Happen: The Science Behind It

Several biological mechanisms explain why winter can impact mood:

1. Reduced Sunlight Exposure

Less sunlight affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood.

2. Melatonin Shift

Shorter days can cause the body to produce melatonin (the sleep hormone) earlier, creating fatigue and sluggishness.

3. Circadian Rhythm Disruption

Your internal clock becomes misaligned with daily routines, affecting sleep quality and energy.

4. Vitamin D Levels

Some individuals experience drops in vitamin D, which may influence mood in susceptible people.

These factors may combine — or interact with stress, trauma, or medical conditions — increasing vulnerability to depression.

When Seasonal Patterns Become Concerning

Even if symptoms occur seasonally, they become clinically significant when they start to affect:

• Attendance at work or school

• Performance and productivity

• Ability to maintain relationships

• Daily functioning

• Emotional regulation

You should seek support if:

• Your symptoms feel stronger each winter

• You find it increasingly hard to “bounce back” in spring

• Lifestyle changes aren’t helping

• You’re experiencing depressive symptoms outside of winter

• You feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or emotionally numb

Seasonal dips can be manageable — but sometimes they are a sign of a deeper depressive condition.

How Aurora Wellness Supports Both Seasonal and Major Depression

At Aurora Wellness, we tailor treatment to the type, severity, and pattern of your symptoms.

We offer:

✔ Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

We look at timing, triggers, medical history, and patterns to distinguish seasonal shifts from major or treatment-resistant depression.

✔ Medication management

For individuals whose symptoms require medical intervention or optimization.

✔ Spravato® treatment (for eligible adults with treatment-resistant depression)

Available in our White Plains and Brooklyn clinics for those who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.

Our goal is to provide clarity, support, and a personalized path forward — not one-size-fits-all treatment.

✔ Talk Therapy

For individuals who may benefit from additional support, therapy can help address thought patterns, stress, and coping during difficult seasons or in general.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Seasonal changes can influence mood — but when symptoms become intense, persistent, or disruptive, it may be more than “winter blues.” Recognizing whether you’re experiencing a seasonal mood pattern, a major depressive episode, or a combination of the two is the first step toward meaningful relief.

If you're unsure what you're experiencing or feel that your symptoms have been worsening over time, Aurora Wellness is here to help. We offer evaluation, medication management, and Spravato® treatment in both White Plains and Brooklyn, with care tailored to your unique needs.

To understand your symptoms and explore the best next steps, schedule a consultation with Aurora Wellness.