When it comes to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), teens are at risk just like adults. While location, age, and environment can all play a role in whether a teen develops SAD, it’s a good idea for all parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs and mental health risks, as well as the possible treatment options.

Learn more about seasonal affective disorder in adolescents below, including why teens are particularly vulnerable to this type of depression. 

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that occurs seasonally rather than year-round, usually in fall and winter when the days are dark and cold. 

Studies suggest that anywhere from 1.7% to 5.5% of young people aged 9-19 may suffer from SAD. This is comparable – though slightly less – than rates of SAD amongst the general population, which hover between 1% and 9%. Moreover, in Northeast regions like New England (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, etc.), the prevalence of SAD is even higher due to the shorter, colder days with limited sunlight. 

Unfortunately, teens do have some unique risk factors for seasonal depression, including hormonal changes, academic stress, and social pressures. A history of depression, either personally or in a teen’s immediate family, can also put a child at heightened risk of developing SAD. 

Common Signs of SAD in Teens

The sooner you address SAD, the better, and that starts with knowing the signs of seasonal affective disorder. Some things to look out for with teens include:

• Persistent low mood: A teen with SAD usually experiences lingering sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness. 
• Sleep changes: SAD can lead to oversleeping (hypersomnia), an inability to sleep (insomnia), or fatigue throughout the day. 
• Difficulty concentrating: Your teen may have trouble focusing on schoolwork, struggle with forgetfulness, or feel overwhelmed. 
• Social withdrawal: Depression, including SAD, can make teens lose interest in hobbies or social activities. 
• Increased appetite: Teens may seek comfort in high-carb foods as a quick but fleeting fix to feeling depressed. 
• Heightened anxiety: SAD usually goes hand-in-hand with increased worry, low self-esteem, and feelings of hopelessness. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder in School: The Academic Impact of SAD

A depressive disorder like SAD can – and often does – impact a teen’s school performance. As such, dropping grades, incomplete homework, or frequent tardiness may be some of the first signs that something is really wrong. 

To understand the outsized role of seasonal affective disorder in school performance, it helps to consider not just how seasonal depression can make teens less interested in school but how it can manifest in other troubling ways. For example, the shorter daylight hours that spur SAD also affect melatonin production, causing excessive sleepiness. They can also disrupt a teen’s circadian rhythm and make it harder to stay awake and alert. The result is chronic fatigue and emotional dysregulation – two things that make it incredibly hard for a teen to handle their school work.  

In some cases, a SAD teen may also turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use, which, in addition to increasing the risk of co-occurring depression, anxiety disorders, or self-harm, can also lead to lower grades and higher risk of school delinquency. 

The larger impact of SAD on teen mental health highlights just how essential it is to seek early intervention and structured support. With the right level of treatment, a young person can identify and address what is going on – and take direct steps to mitigate it. 

How to Help a Teen Struggling with SAD

Symptoms of SAD generally disappear when the days lengthen, and the weather gets warmer. That doesn’t mean you should sit and wait it out, though. There are various ways to provide help for troubled teens and seasonal affective disorder, and they can make a big difference in a teen’s overall mental health and well-being.

• Light therapy (phototherapy): Therapeutic use of a specialized lightbox that mimics natural sunlight. 
• Healthy sleep habits: Good habits around bedtime, evening blue light exposure, and morning sunlight exposure can help reduce sadness and fatigue. 
• Outdoor activities: Getting outside and into natural light is a must for treating SAD, regardless of how cold it is. 
• Balanced diet: Omega-3s, vitamin D, and balanced meals support mental health and should be a mainstay of a teen’s diet. 
• Professional help: Some teens with seasonal depression benefit most from therapy, medication, and/or residential treatment. 

Get Help for Troubled Teens and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder can happen to anyone, regardless of age. That being said, SAD is a treatable condition, and help is available. Early recognition, lifestyle adjustments, and, if necessary, professional treatment are all lifelines for SAD teens. Be proactive in looking for signs of seasonal depression, and explore the Ridge RTC website for more resources and information on depression in teens.