When October arrives, nature enters a phase of transformation. Trees turn yellow and shed their leaves, the weather cools, and the days grow shorter. While many find this season romantic, for some, autumn brings an internal heaviness and sadness. This mood, popularly known as autumn melancholy, may simply be a normal emotional shift. However, when these symptoms become pronounced and begin to affect daily life, the concept that comes to mind is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
What Is Autumn Melancholy?
Mood fluctuations during seasonal transitions are quite common. Earlier darkness, reduced sunlight, and a drop in social activities can lead to mild sadness, introversion, or a lack of motivation. This condition is short-lived, and the individual continues to fulfill their daily responsibilities. More often than not, this melancholy is eased by a warm beverage, a walk, or social support.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), on the other hand, is a defined type of depression in psychiatry. It typically emerges in the late autumn and winter months and remits (lightens) in the spring and summer.
Common Symptoms
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Persistent depressed mood
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Loss of interest and pleasure
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Low energy, excessive desire to sleep (hypersomnia)
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Increased appetite, particularly a craving for carbohydrates
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Difficulty concentrating
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Social withdrawal
Unlike short-term melancholy, these symptoms can last for weeks and negatively impact a person’s work, school, and family life. SAD is more commonly observed in women than in men and typically begins in a person’s 20s.
Sunlight, Biology, And Mood
Scientific research indicates that one of the most important causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder is the reduction in sunlight. When sunlight decreases, serotonin levels in the brain drop, which can trigger a depressive mood. Concurrently, the hormone melatonin increases, leading the individual to feel constantly sleepy and fatigued.
In short, this is not merely a “psychological whim” but a condition with a biological basis.
The Legal And Employment Dimension
There is also an interesting point to consider: individuals experiencing SAD can suffer from a loss of productivity, frequent absenteeism, or decreased performance in the workplace. This, in turn, can lead to legal disputes between employers and employees.
In some European countries, seasonal depression is evaluated within the scope of “loss of work capacity” and supported by medical reports. It is also fair to say that psychological disorders are becoming increasingly visible in Turkish labor law. From this perspective, SAD is not only a clinical but also a social and legal issue.
What Can Be Done?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a treatable condition. Methods of treatment include:
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Light Therapy: Treatment with specialized lamps that mimic sunlight.
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Psychotherapy: Restructuring thought patterns through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
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Medication: Use of antidepressants under the supervision of a psychiatrist.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and social interaction.
Furthermore, seemingly simple habits can also be effective: walking in the daylight as much as possible every day, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and sustaining social connections.
Conclusion
Autumn is part of nature’s cycle, and we are part of that cycle. Sometimes, mild melancholy is normal; it even encourages introspection and self-reflection. However, if this sadness deepens, persists for weeks, and makes life difficult, Seasonal Affective Disorder should be considered.
It is as important to understand the psychology of this condition as it is to recognize its social and legal repercussions. Autumn reminds us not only of the yellowing of leaves but also of the fragility of the human spirit.
References
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American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).
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Rohan, K. J. (2018). Seasonal Affective Disorder: Etiology, Treatment, and Prevention. Current Psychiatry Reports, 20(12), 117.
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Lam, R. W., & Levitan, R. D. (2000). Pathophysiology of Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Review. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 25(5), 469–480.
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Turkish Psychiatric Association (2024). Seasonal Affective Disorder Information Note.