With the onset of winter, a seasonal depression trend is very much noticeable across a large part of the United States. Data from Thriveworks indicate that the search for information on seasonal depression is going up to 125% from the middle of August to the end of September and remains high during October, November, and December. For many, the third week of November is the darkest time of the year, particularly in cities located in the North and the Mountain West such as Idaho Falls, Salt Lake City, and Syracuse, where the temperature drops almost 28 degrees, and the daylight period reduces drastically.
Those who are diagnosed with seasonal depression may feel the time of year as if they are sinking into slow, moving darkness, sleep becomes disrupted, energy goes down, and tiny things become tremendously difficult. Medical professionals point out that seasonal depression should not be considered only as “winter blues”; the case may also include significant changes in appetite, mood, and overall functioning, which, of course, have to be attended to seriously.
The good news is that acknowledgment, and help for seasonal depression are not going backward but forward instead. Psychologists suggest that people make a schedule for their appointments early in the fall, i.e., before the occurrence of symptoms and also work out easy prevention methods like daily walks in the open air, light therapy lamps, and social check, ins to lessen the effect of seasonal depression.
Primary care doctors are also becoming more attentive to patients’ questions about changes in mood that are related to seasons, and they are more likely to offer referrals or medication when necessary.
Source: Thriveworks – Seasonal Depression Peaks Third Week of November 2025
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