Cloudy winters can contribute to symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, Houston psychiatrist says – Houston Public Media

Daisy Espinoza / Houston Public Media

As the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) may become more common.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, symptoms might include fatigue and feelings of hopelessness. Oversleeping, overeating and social withdrawal are all common patterns for those who experience SAD.

Dr. Asim Shah, a professor and the executive vice chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine, said while SAD tends to be associated with the cold weather, it’s still possible for Houstonians to be diagnosed with SAD.

“Houston usually has a very mild winter, but it changes,” Shah said. “A few years ago also, we had a lot of cloudy weather. Meaning, we didn’t see a lot of sun. If the weather is like that, people can suffer from seasonal affective disorder.”

The American Psychiatric Association estimates about 5% of adults experience SAD. Shah said a rarer variant of SAD also has the potential to exist in the Houston region.

“In the last few years, we saw a second variant of seasonal affective disorder because of excessive sun,” he said. “Those symptoms are slightly different from winter seasonal affective disorder. Irritability, agitation, anger, mood swings, getting a little snappy.”

The years 2023 and 2011 are known to be Houston’s hottest summers. According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada, why some people might develop summer SAD is still unknown. However, some possible contributing factors might include heat, humidity and longer days.

According to Baylor College of Medicine, routine exercise can help ease symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Exercise helps the body release ‘happy hormones’ like dopamine and serotonin. Shah said routine provides structure and predictability.

“People who have emotional disorders, psychiatric disorders, usually do not have structure in life and they easily fall into the trap of anxiety and depression,” he said. “Structure gives them a place to breathe.”