Research shows that missing engagement in meaningful activities could contribute to seasonal affective disorder, with experts recommending both behavioral changes and professional support to manage symptoms during darker months.
Understanding Seasonal Depression
Seasonal affective disorder is characterized by the recurrence of depressive symptoms with a seasonal pattern, according to Dr. Robert Brady, associate professor of psychology at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine. “Most commonly, although not exclusively, that aligns with kind of the late fall, early winter for the start of the symptoms and then the remission of those symptoms at the end of winter as spring is coming,” Brady said. While the exact causes remain incompletely understood, there is “open-minded” skepticism in the scientific community about whether decreased winter light is the primary driver. Brady noted that seasonal depression can occur in other climates as well—around the equator during summer when conditions are “brutally hot,” people similarly avoid outdoor activities and may experience seasonal affective disorder.
Activity Engagement and Treatment Options
Research indicates that reduced engagement in valued activities may be a contributing factor. Brady emphasized the importance of asking, “Is the person less frequently or less consistently engaged in the actions and the behaviors that are most important, meaningful, and valuable to them?” Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people discover new activities that provide similar enjoyment and purpose.
Light therapy represents another treatment option for winter seasonal depression, though effectiveness varies individually. “It’s hard to sit there in front of that light for 30 minutes and to do that consistently,” Brady said. “Lightbox therapies can be effective, but it really requires a person committing to the treatment.”
Practical Recommendations
Liz Hodgkins, deputy director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in New Hampshire, recommends getting outside during daylight hours despite shorter winter days. She also suggests obtaining appropriate warm clothing to make outdoor time more comfortable and finding a companion to join activities. Hodgkins emphasized normalizing difficult emotions during this season: “Just a reminder that not everybody feels merry and bright at this time of year and that’s okay. It is something that you can talk to other people about – how they’re feeling, and recognize that it’s okay to not feel okay during this time of year.”
NAMI New Hampshire’s information line is available Monday through Friday at 1-800-242-6264, option four. The Suicide & Crisis Line (9-8-8) operates 24/7.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-12-22/explore-activities-darker-months-seasonal-depression-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-winter