Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder: Counseling for Teens & Young Adults
- Jason Drake, LCSW, BCN Associate Fellow, EMDR Trained
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that shows up at the same time every year, usually in fall and winter when days get shorter and darker.
Most people call it “winter depression” or the "winter blues". It’s more than just feeling a little down because it’s cold outside—SAD can make it hard to get out of bed, focus in school, or enjoy things you normally love.
What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Research shows that SAD happens because of less sunlight in the winter months. Here’s why that matters:
- Your brain makes less serotonin (the “happy chemical”) when there’s less light.
- Your body’s internal clock gets thrown off, messing with sleep.
- Melatonin (the sleep hormone) levels can get out of balance, making you feel tired all the time.
Shorter days, cloudy weather, and spending more time indoors make these changes worse.
How SAD Hits Teens and Young Adults Especially Hard
Teenagers and young adults are extra vulnerable to SAD. Hormones are already changing, school or college stress is high, and social media can make the holidays feel lonely instead of joyful. Symptoms in this age group often look like:
- Sleeping way too much or not being able to sleep
- Craving junk food and gaining weight
- Dropping grades or skipping class
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
The holidays can make it worse. By viewing social media, it would seem like December is perfect for so many, but teens and young adults may make comparisons and feel pressure, family tension, or sadness about what their life “should” look like.
Why Teen Counseling and Counseling for Young Adults Works So Well
Talking to a professional who understands SAD and the teen/young-adult world can change everything. At places like Katy Teen & Family Counseling in Katy, Texas, therapists use treatments proven to help:
- Light therapy (special lamps that mimic sunlight)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to change negative thought patterns
- Simple lifestyle changes like morning walks or better sleep routines
- Sometimes medication when it’s needed
A good counselor who specializes in teen and young adult counseling also helps with holiday stress, family fights, and the pressure to be happy when you’re not.
Finding the Right Help in Katy, Texas
If you’re searching “best counselor teenagers near me” or need a specialist in counseling teen or young adults, Katy Teen & Family Counseling has therapists who focus only on teens and young adults. They know the difference between normal mood swings and real depression, including Seasonal Affective Disorder.
You don’t have to wait until you’re teen or young adult is completely falling apart. Starting teen counseling or counseling for young adults early can stop winter from becoming the hardest months of the year.
You’re Not Alone—and It Gets Better
Millions of teens and young adults feel worse every winter, but SAD is very treatable. With the right support, spring doesn’t have to be the only thing that makes you feel like yourself again.
If you’re in Katy, Texas, and the shorter days are already getting to you, reach out today. We at Katy Teen & Family Counseling are ready to help you feel like you again—no matter what season it is.
Taking the First Step
If your teen or young adult is struggling, contact us today for the support, coaching, and guidance that can make all the difference for your teen. We provide personalized plans in counseling teens and young adults at Katy Teen & Family Counseling.
To begin your counseling journey at Katy Teen & Family Counseling, follow these simple steps:
Contact Katy Teen & Family Counseling to schedule an appointment.
Meet with one of our counseling specialists for an initial session.
Begin the path towards removing barriers and achieving a fulfilling life.
Other Therapy and Counseling Services Offered at Katy Teen & Family Counseling
At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, we offer marriage counseling and couples therapy. Our experienced and trained marriage counselors and couples therapists can help!
At Katy Teen & Family Counseling, some of the other counseling approaches we offer are below:
Board Certified Neurofeedback Therapy
Peak performance (optimal academic brain performance)
Peak performance (optimal athletic brain performance)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy)
Group Therapy for Teens
Body Image
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
About the Author
Jason Drake is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Associate Fellow & Board Certified in Neurofeedback, EMDR trained, and a Certified Brain Health Professional through the Amen Clinics.
He has provided therapy to teens, young adults, and families since 2003 and is the Owner & Lead Clinician at Katy Counseling for Men, & Katy Teen & Family Counseling.
He specializes in leading teams of high performing therapists who also specialize in teen therapy, counseling young adults, and family counseling.
Jason is also a leader in the field of teen, young adult, and family counseling and has provided expert coaching and technical assistance to teen Residential Treatment Centers across the country.
Jason is also a regular contributor to various magazines and publications lending his expertise to various mental health related topics. You can check these articles out on our "Featured Articles" service page on our website.
He has also been a guest on Fox 26 Houston and on the podcasts, "Grow a Group Practice" with Alison Pidgeon, "Let's Talk With Jennifer B", and the "Marketing Matters" podcast with Ashley Brock.
If you are ready to start couples therapy or marriage counseling, call, text, or email us today!
Phone Number: 281-519-6364