“Seasonal depression is peaking across America right now, going into late November and December of 2025, due to less daylight and cooler temperatures,” says Dr. Hiroaki Aiso, medical director of Cedar Knolls Medical Center, a mental health hospital in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey. “New data on Google Trends reveals a whopping 125% increase in online inquiries on seasonal depression between mid-August and late September, which continues well into mid-December when many Americans notice that their mood is changing with the seasons.”
According to experts, Seasonal Depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a form of depression closely linked to shorter days, lack of sunlight, and extreme temperature fluctuations. In the Mountain and Northeastern regions of the United States, and specifically in Idaho Falls, Salt Lake City, Missoula, Syracuse, and Binghamton, there are some of the largest spikes in searches for Seasonal Depression due to the average temperature drop of almost 28 degrees from September to December.
“They often complain of feeling like it’s harder to get out of bed and being hungry for sleep and for carbs and for activities that might interest them normally but no longer do.”
“Seasonal depression is easily treated if you know what to do,” emphasizes Dr. Hiner’s colleague, Dr. Roberto Olivardia of McLean’s eating disorders and hoarding centers. “Light therapy boxes and walks outside every day when the sun is out are helpful. Also helpful are structured activities and therapy sessions, as well as medication for those who need it—if it is started prior to the worst episodes of the season
Mental health professionals recommend that anyone who sees signs of seasonal depression every year should start getting ready before late fall. Friends and family can be very supportive by connecting or trying to reach out to those who suffer from seasonal depression to remind them that it has nothing to be ashamed of.
Source: Thriveworks – Seasonal Depression Peaks Third Week of November 2025
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