When the Light Fades: Supporting Veterans and Individuals with Serious Mental Illness Through Seasonal Affective Disorder
By Cri Campbell Schine, PsyD, Interim President, NAMI Contra Costa
As the days grow shorter and the chill of winter settles in, many people begin to feel a shift in mood and energy. For some, this seasonal change brings more than just the winter blues—it’s Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that follows a recurring seasonal pattern, most often beginning in the fall and lasting through the winter months.
While anyone can experience SAD, it can have an especially significant impact on veterans and individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI). These groups already face higher risks for depression and social isolation, and the loss of sunlight can intensify symptoms of existing conditions like major depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.
Understanding the Impact
SAD is linked to changes in our body’s internal clock and the brain chemicals that regulate mood. Less sunlight can disrupt circadian rhythms, lower serotonin levels, and increase melatonin—causing fatigue, sadness, and a sense of disconnection.
For veterans, these physiological effects often interact with other challenges, including trauma memories, chronic pain, or the adjustment to civilian life. Many veterans thrive in structured environments and strong communities, both of which can be disrupted by seasonal and emotional changes. Those who live alone or in colder regions may feel even more isolated during the darker months.
For people living with serious mental illness, maintaining stability often depends on routine, engagement, and consistent support. When the days grow shorter, transportation becomes harder, energy wanes, and opportunities for connection diminish—all of which can make managing symptoms more difficult. Across community programs, we often see an increase in crisis calls and hospitalizations during the fall and winter seasons.
Finding the Light
The good news is that SAD is treatable—and recovery is possible. Some evidence-based approaches include:
- Light therapy: Exposure to bright light in the morning can help reset the body’s internal clock.
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can build coping skills to manage seasonal mood shifts.
- Vitamin D and medication: Talk with your provider about whether supplementation or medication adjustments may help.
- Connection and movement: Spending time outdoors, staying active, and engaging with others can significantly improve mood.
For veterans, programs like VA mental health services, Vet Centers, and NAMI Homefront offer peer-led spaces for connection and healing. For individuals with SMI, local organizations like NAMI Contra Costa provide peer support groups, education, and family programs designed to reduce isolation and promote wellness all year long.
As we enter this season, let’s remember that mental health challenges don’t disappear with the turning of a calendar page—but neither does our capacity to support one another. With compassion, consistency, and community, we can ensure that no one faces the darker months alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. You are not alone.
- NAMI Contra Costa Warm Line: (925) 465-3864
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Visit namicontracosta.org for local programs, support groups, and upcoming events.