Overview
- New Mayo Clinic guidance reiterates that seasonal affective disorder is a recurrent form of depression tied to reduced daylight, with symptoms that can impair work, home life and social functioning.
- Doctors highlight key warning signs including persistent low mood, low energy, sleep and appetite changes, trouble concentrating, weight shifts and, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.
- Bright light therapy remains a first-line option, with Mayo advising 10,000‑lux exposure for 20–30 minutes soon after waking and consultation on device choice and safe use.
- Effectiveness estimates differ across reports, with Mayo describing about half of patients improving and a Rutgers-linked summary citing up to 85% response when started early in the season.
- Experts also recommend CBT, exercise and social contact, note elevated risk in northern regions and dense urban areas like New York City, and point people to resources such as the 988 lifeline, NYC Health + Hospitals services and the Teenspace program for youth.