Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that comes back at the same time each year, most often in the darker months, and eases at other times. It is a recognised pattern of depression, not a mood or a weakness. It can be assessed and treated by a psychiatrist.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Low mood in specific seasons
- Increased sleep and appetite
- Carbohydrate cravings
- Weight gain
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “I feel low every monsoon or winter”
- “I sleep more and feel tired when it is gloomy”
- “My mood lifts when the season changes”
- “I lose interest in things in the cold months”
People who live with seasonal affective disorder may also notice depression, excessive sleepiness or bipolar disorder. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if low mood is severe or you have thoughts of harming yourself. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist checks for depression and asks when it started, whether it follows a seasonal pattern over at least two years, and whether other causes fit. Other conditions can mimic it, so a full assessment matters.
Treatment and support
- Talk therapy such as CBT adapted for seasonal depression
- Daily light exposure, regular sleep and activity, as advised by your clinician
- Planning ahead for the months that are hard for you
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists assess seasonal patterns of low mood and agree a plan with you, often starting before the season you struggle in. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist listens to your mood, sleep, appetite, energy and daily life over the past weeks, and asks about earlier episodes, other illness and family history.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist leads your care. A clinical psychologist can join for talk therapy, and the two share one plan.
Between sessions
Regular reviews check how you are feeling and sleeping, and your plan is adjusted as you improve.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Does seasonal depression happen in India?
Seasonal patterns of depression have been described worldwide. Whether it follows winter, monsoon or another season varies, so a clinician looks at your own pattern.
Is it just feeling low in bad weather?
Everyone feels low sometimes. It is a disorder when low mood returns each year, lasts weeks and disrupts daily life.
When should I seek help?
If low mood lasts two weeks or more and affects daily life, book a consultation.
If you or someone near you is in danger, call 112. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416. Mindly Health is not an emergency service.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.