As the days become shorter, many people feel a dip in their mood. It can be hard to wake up in the morning, stay focused at work, or even socialise. For some people it can be more than just “winter blues”, it can be seasonal affective disorder.
Let’s take a closer look at what seasonal affective disorder is, what causes it, its common symptoms, its impact at work, along with work leave options available for seasonal affective disorder.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
According to the NHS, seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.
It’s sometimes known as the “winter depression” because its symptoms are often more noticeable and severe during winters.
However, some people experience the opposite—feeling low in the summer and better once the winter arrives.
Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Common symptoms of SAD include:
- Persistent low mood or sadness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, despair, and worthlessness
- Feeling lethargic or sleepy during the day
- Sleeping longer than usual and struggling to get out of bed
- Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
- Difficulty concentrating or staying focused
These symptoms can be severe for some people and have a significant effect on their daily life.
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
The exact cause of SAD isn’t fully understood, but it’s generally linked to reduced sunlight exposure during autumn and winter.
It’s believed that lack of sunlight can affect how hypothalamus—a small part of your brain—works. This can affect:
Production of Melatonin—the hormone that makes you feel sleepy. In people with SAD, this hormone may be produced more than normal levels.
Production of Serotonin—the hormone that affects your mood, appetite, and sleep. Less sunlight may cause lower serotonin levels, leading to feelings of depression.
Body’s Internal Clock (Circadian Rhythm)—Sunlight helps your body maintain a natural rhythm for waking and sleeping. Decreased sunlight can disrupt your body’s internal clock, causing symptoms of SAD.
It’s possible that genetics may also play a role, as SAD can sometimes run in families.
The Impact of SAD at Work
For employees who’re suffering from SAD, it can be overwhelming to perform even simple work tasks. Their concentration decreases, deadlines feel harder to meet, and motivation often fades away.
This can lead to both absenteeism (taking more sick days) and presenteeism (coming to work but struggling to perform effectively).
For employers, this can translate into decreased productivity, increased errors, and overall reduced morale within teams—especially if the issue goes unacknowledged.
However, with the right understanding and support, workplaces can help employees manage SAD and continue their work properly.
Seasonal Affective Disorder and Work Leave Options in Ireland and EU
In Ireland and across the EU, mental health conditions, including depression and SAD, are recognised under employment law.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Sick Leave
If Seasonal affective disorder is affecting your ability to work, you can take sick leave.
In Ireland, you’re entitled to 5 days of paid sick leave in a year, if you’re certified to be unable to work by a GP.
This means you’ll need a medical certificate or sick cert to take paid sick leave.
Another option includes annual leave (standard holiday allowance).
In Europe, there’s no single EU-wide law specifically for SAD. You should check your country’s specific national legislation regarding sick leave and mental health.
Note: Your employer may have their own policies for mental health, stress, or burnout. It’s best to discuss all the options with them.
2. Reasonable Adjustments
Many employers offer reasonable adjustments to their employers who’re suffering from mental health problems. These may include:
- Flexible working hours
- Creating a quieter workspace
- Offering more frequent or longer breaks
You should ask your company about their policy regarding reasonable adjustments for their employers.
3. Employee Adjustment Programs (EAP)
Many employers across Ireland and the EU offer an employee adjustment program (EAP). This can give you easy access to counselling and mental health support.
If your workplace provides this, it can help you a lot in managing SAD symptoms.
What Can Employers Do to Help?
Employers can play a big role in creating a supporting environment for their employees who are suffering from SAD.
Some effective measures include:
- Raising awareness through wellness campaigns or information sessions
- Training managers to recognise the early signs of mental distress
- Encouraging openness so the employees feel comfortable in talking about their mental health
- Reviewing office lighting and making changes to maximise sunlight exposure
- Allowing flexible schedules to help employees manage their condition
Creating a compassionate workplace won’t just support employees, but also raises morale and overall productivity.
When to See a Doctor
If you think you’re suffering from seasonal affective disorder and it’s interfering with your daily life, it’s best to seek professional help.
They’ll assess your condition by asking questions about your mood, sleep, eating habits, and how these may change with the seasons. It’ll help them figure out if it’s seasonal affective disorder, or there’s something else that’s causing your symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Seasonal affective disorder can make colder months challenging, both personally and professionally. Recognising early signs, seeking help from your doctor, and discovering work leaves options or workplace adjustments can make a big difference.
With the right care and support, it’s possible to manage SAD and maintain your mental wellbeing throughout the season.
