In The Community
Timing Is Everything
Photo by Emily Toycen on UnsplashSAD is seasonal—hence the name. SAD symptoms typically start in late fall or early winter and fade as spring rolls around. For some, the reverse happens, with symptoms showing up in the summer (though that’s less common). Depression, on the other hand, doesn’t follow a seasonal pattern. The symptoms can occur at any time of the year and it might not have a clear start or end point. This is the biggest difference between the two.
The Sunlight Connection
Photo by Church of the King on UnsplashSAD is also heavily linked to the amount of sunlight you’re getting—or not getting. Shorter days and longer nights mess with your body’s internal clock (it’s that circadian rhythm stuff) and can throw off melatonin and serotonin levels out of whack. While external factors can influence depression, it isn’t specifically tied to sunlight exposure. So if you feel your mood taking a dive as your access to the sun is more limited, that’s seasonal depression for you.
Energy Levels Going Downhill
Photo by Mel Elías on UnsplashWith SAD, fatigue is often a hallmark symptom. People who experience seasonal depression often feel sluggish, sleepy, and drained, even after a full night’s rest. It’s like you’re in a constant state of hibernation mode. Depression is also known to cause fatigue, but it’s different in that it often causes restlessness or insomnia. This might make people feel like they’re too wired to sleep but too tired to function. The difference? SAD tends to make you want to crawl under a blanket and stay there, while depression can feel more like a mental tug-of-war with your energy.
Cravings and Weight Changes
Photo by Denny Müller on UnsplashHello, carbs! People with SAD often crave comfort foods like bread, pasta, and sweets. These cravings can lead to weight gain during the winter months. With depression, changes in appetite can go either way. Some people lose their appetite entirely, while others turn to food for comfort.
The Treatment Options Are Different
Photo by Alex Green
Light therapy is one of the most common ways to treat seasonal depression. Sitting in front of a lightbox for 20-30 minutes a day can help mimic natural sunlight and boost your mood. When it comes to depression, treatment usually involves therapy, medication, or a combination of both. While light therapy might help in some cases, it’s not a go-to treatment for non-seasonal depression.
The Duration Will Vary
Photo by OC Gonzalez on UnsplashSymptoms of seasonal depression typically last for about 4-5 months, aligning with the darker months of the year. By contrast, depression can last for months or even years if untreated, with no clear end point. It’s a matter of being aware of how you’re feeling and talking to a professional who can guide you in the process of feeling like yourself again.
Diagnosis and Labels Are Completely Different
Photo by Alex Green
SAD is actually a subtype of depression called Major Depressive Disorder with Seasonal Pattern. Think of it as depression’s seasonal spin-off. Depression is a broader diagnosis that includes several subtypes, like persistent depressive disorder, postpartum depression, and more. Understanding the specifics can help you (and your doctor) figure out what’s going on and how to treat it.
What Should You Do Now?
Photo by Jeff Stapleton
Whether it’s SAD or depression, the important thing to remember is that both are real, valid, and treatable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to a doctor or therapist. They can help you figure out what’s happening and create a plan to feel better.
At the end of the day, your mental health matters. Whether it’s winter blues or something deeper, taking steps to care for yourself is the best way to reclaim your joy—even on the darkest days.
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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Myth: People with disabilities can’t do meaningful work
Photo by Cliff Booth
Raise your hand if you’ve ever heard someone say disabled people aren’t “cut out” for certain jobs. The truth? Disabled individuals bring an incredible range of skills and perspectives to the workplace. With proper accommodations—things like flexible schedules, adaptive tools, or remote options—there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
Think about it: people with disabilities earn advanced degrees, manage teams, run businesses, and excel in countless industries. What they need is opportunity, not pity, and we must remember that success comes from talent and determination—not physical or neurological traits.
Myth: All disabilities are visible
Photo by cottonbro studio
Here’s a big one: not all disabilities come with a wheelchair, cane, or other visible markers. Conditions like chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and neurodivergent traits are often invisible. That doesn’t make them any less real. Unfortunately, many disabled people get invalidated because others “can’t see” their disability.
Needless to say, that’s dismissive and harmful. Imagine telling someone with fibromyalgia or autism that they’re “just fine” because they don’t look disabled—it’s like trying to argue that gravity doesn’t exist because you can’t see it. It’s important we believe and support disabled people when they share their experiences, and educate ourselves as much as possible.
Myth: Disabled people always need help
Photo by Marcus Aurelius
You’d be surprised how many people think being disabled means needing constant care. While some individuals do require assistance, many disabled people are completely independent. They know what they need, how to ask for help when necessary, and how to live their lives on their own terms.
Assuming someone always needs help isn’t just wrong—it’s patronizing. This is why it’s good practice to ask disabled people if they need help instead of doing things for them. That instinct may come from a good place, but disabled people aren’t helpless and it’s not kind to assume that they are.
Myth: People with physical disabilities also have cognitive impairments
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch
It’s not uncommon for people to conflate physical disability with cognitive impairments. Unfortunately, that’s an ableist assumption that should be left in the dust. Physical and cognitive disabilities are entirely separate, so it’s important not to conflate the two.
For example, someone with cerebral palsy may have a speech impediment but no cognitive impairments whatsoever. If you’re unsure about someone’s disability and want to be respectful, let them tell you about their abilities and listen to their experience.
Myth: Disabilities make people’s lives tragic or burdensome
Photo by ELEVATE
The idea that disability equals tragedy is not only outdated, but it also erases the full, vibrant lives many disabled people lead. Disability is not some cosmic punishment—it’s a natural part of human diversity. Many disabled individuals view their disability as just one part of who they are, not something to “overcome” or “fix.” The more productive thing to do is celebrate all the ways disability enriches the human experience and be inspired by how resilient, strong, creative, smart, resourceful, and empowered disabled people tend to be.
Disability myths don’t just exist in a vacuum—they shape how we treat people, what opportunities we offer them, and how they’re included in society. Busting them is a great way to start creating a world where everyone, disabled or not, is treated with respect and dignity. The next time you encounter one of these myths, challenge it. By breaking down stereotypes and listening to the voices of disabled individuals, we can help create a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Medical Advancements Are Crushing It
Photo by Ani Kolleshi on UnsplashFrom groundbreaking cancer treatments to innovative approaches to mental health, 2024 has been a banner year for medical science. Advances in AI-assisted healthcare and precision medicine are making treatments more accessible and personalized. Every new breakthrough is a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much potential the future holds.
Renewed Focus on Mental Health
Photo by Marcel Strauß on UnsplashSpeaking of health, can we appreciate how much mental health is getting the attention it deserves? More workers feel satisfied with the mental health support they’re receiving from employers, therapy apps are thriving, and conversations about anxiety, burnout, and well-being are no longer taboo. It feels like society is finally getting that taking care of your brain is just as important as your body.
Communities Are Coming Together
Photo by Hannah Busing on UnsplashWhen times get tough, people show up. Whether it’s mutual aid groups, neighborhood initiatives, or friends checking in more often, there’s been a noticeable push toward reconnecting with the people around us. It’s a great reminder that no matter what’s happening, we’re going through it together.
Creativity Is Thriving
Photo by laura adai on UnsplashFrom indie films and breakout music artists to TikTok creators absolutely crushing it with their originality, 2024 has been a goldmine for creative expression. People are finding new ways to tell their stories and connect with others, proving that art is as alive and essential as ever.
Technological Wins Worth Celebrating
Photo by Markus Spiske on UnsplashSure, tech gets a bad rap sometimes, but 2024 has brought us some seriously cool stuff. AI is being used to tackle real-world problems like education gaps and environmental issues. Virtual reality is connecting people in ways that were unimaginable a few years ago. Even smart home gadgets are making life easier (hello, robot vacuums!).
Small Wins in Everyday Life
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on UnsplashGratitude doesn’t always have to be about the big stuff. It’s the tiny joys—finding a new coffee shop, a text from a friend out of the blue, or your favorite song playing on shuffle—that remind us life is still pretty sweet. These little moments of happiness add up in ways we don’t always notice, but we should.
The Power of Learning and Growth
Photo by Mohamed B. on UnsplashWhether you’ve taken up a new hobby, learned something fascinating online, or just figured out how to make a better cup of coffee, personal growth is something to celebrate. In 2024, more people are prioritizing learning as a way to stay curious, connected, and hopeful about the future.
You’re Still Here
Photo by Matthew Hamilton on UnsplashLet’s not forget the most important thing: you’ve made it through another year. Even when it’s hard, even when you’re tired, you’ve shown up for yourself and the people you care about. That alone is worth being grateful for.
Sure, life can feel overwhelming, but there’s always a silver lining if we look for it. Gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the hard stuff—it means holding space for the good alongside it. So, as we move forward, let’s take a second to appreciate these bright spots and keep reminding ourselves it’s not all doom and gloom.
