If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.Being hurt or threatened at home? National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.Help with alcohol or drug use: SAMHSA Helpline, 1-800-662-4357.
Overview
Symptoms improve in spring.
Light therapy boxes help.
When to get medical care
Call 911Thoughts of harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911 if you're in danger.
Get care todayNot usually urgent.
See a doctor soonSeasonal low mood.
Causes
Caused by less daylight.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause low mood that comes back every fall or winter. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
Depression that comes back at the same time each year, usually in fall and winter when days are shorter.
What you can do at home
- Get outside in daylight.
- Exercise.
Medicines
Light therapy, therapy, and antidepressants.
At the doctor
The provider will ask.
Questions you may be asked
- Pattern
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
- Screening
Prevention
Plan ahead.
- Start light therapy early
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.