All the SAD Feels: Understanding the Similarities and Differences Between Seasonal Affective Disorder, Depression, and Pandemic Fatigue

Written by: Dr. Yvette Boles, Psy.D.
Sejdaras Psy.D. & Associates

As we enter the long midwestern winter months, it’s common to hear people talk about seasonal depression. This year, many people are also discussing pandemic fatigue. So...what’s the difference? Below, you’ll find descriptions of each of these experiences, ways to tell the difference between them, and some tips on how you can cope if you are currently struggling with any of these experiences.

Depression

The DSM-5 (which is what psychologists and other mental health professionals use to diagnose clients) defines depression as a significant change in functioning lasting two or more weeks and including depressed mood and or loss of interest in or enjoyment of previously enjoyable experiences. There may be a significant increase or decrease in weight, sleep, and general rate of movement. Individuals experiencing symptoms of depression may often notice increased fatigue and/or decreased energy. It may become more difficult to concentrate or make decisions. Feelings of worthlessness and disproportionate levels of guilt may occur.  Some individuals also experience recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts or even impulses. These symptoms can present in different combinations and different levels of intensity.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

This term is commonly used to describe seasonally correlated occurrences of depressive symptoms (most commonly in the fall or winter). It is important to note that this descriptor does not apply to circumstances where there are specific psychosocial stressors that occur regularly each season. Additionally, this descriptor does not necessarily mean that a person only experiences depressive symptoms during one season or another. It simply means that the depressive symptoms are predictably more frequent and more intense during a specific season. When looking to confirm this diagnosis, it is important that this pattern is observed over multiple years, not just a single year, in order to establish that this is a consistent pattern.

Pandemic Fatigue

Pandemic Fatigue is a term that has become more frequently used to describe the experience many individuals have been experiencing related to the continued isolation and social restrictions related to the continued presence of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Many people describe feeling generally tired, having low mood, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, feelings of restlessness and/or hopelessness, and just a general feeling of “bleh.” This has been tied to several factors that have become common since the onset of the pandemic and related restrictions in the U.S. in March of 2020. Given that it has been almost a year since most residents of the U.S. began taking precautions to decrease the spread of the disease, the stress has gone from something that many assumed would be a short term adaptation into an ongoing long-term change in the way many of us live our lives. To be quite frank, humans do not respond well to social isolation and ongoing threats to our health, bodily integrity, and even our lives. Over time, these stresses become a heavier and heavier burden to bear, leading to feelings that often echo those experienced by individuals with depressive symptoms.

What Can Be Done?

In light of all this, perhaps the most important thing that can be done is to approach ourselves with self-compassion. These experiences are normal reactions to the challenges and stresses of life. They do not make us weak or less than in any way. Everyone simply copes in different ways and these are just a few of the ways that we adapt to navigate the challenges that life brings. Engaging in self-shame and criticism only makes us feel worse. 

There are many tips and tricks online and in books for creatively approaching these concerns, but if you are finding these symptoms and experiences are interfering with your ability to get through your day and achieve your goals, it may be wise to look into seeking professional help. Talking with a therapist can help you learn how to understand and cope with the challenges you may be experiencing in a warm and nonjudgmental space. Being vulnerable enough to ask for help takes a significant amount of strength and courage, but the payoff is frequently very worth it.

If you’d like to work with one of our Therapists we are currently accepting clients and you can reach us at Our Office. We provide a free 15 phone consultation to determine if we are a good match for one another. For more information on anxiety and depression treatment check out our website at www.chicagopsych.org