SAD is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4−5 months out of the year. The signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with depression as well as disorder-specific symptoms that differ for winter-pattern versus summer-pattern SAD. Not every person with SAD experiences all the symptoms. Learn about signs and symptoms of depression.

Winter-pattern SAD should not be confused with “holiday blues”—feelings of sadness or anxiety brought on by stresses at certain times of the year. The depression associated with SAD is related to changes in daylight hours, not the calendar, so stresses associated with the holidays or predictable seasonal changes in work or school schedules, family visits, and so forth are not the same as SAD.

Learn about ways to get help and find a health care provider or access treatment. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org 

In honor of National Grief Awareness Week during the first week of December, SAMHSA is hosting two informational webinars with experts in the field of bereavement. This is the second of the two webinars.

Although many experience grief in a way that decreases over time, there are others who do not. This webinar will help people to identify and learn about the supports that are available for those who experience extraordinarily intense and/or long-lasting grief. 

If you have a comment, suggestion, or think you are, or know, a good guest please reach out via email to dads@kypartnership.org.

National Dating Abuse Helpline

Offers confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse in the US.

Visit: loveisrespect.org

Call: 1-866-331-9474 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)

Text: “LOVEIS” to 22522.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline

Telephone: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Online chat: online.rainn.org

Español: rainn.org/es

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Call or Text: 988

Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat

Deaf and Hard of Hearing: for TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988

https://988.ky.gov/#in-ky

Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis

llama al 988 o envía un texto al 988, o chat via https://988lifeline.org/chat (en inglés) 

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ youth)

Call: 1-866-488-7386

Text: START to 678678

Visit TrevorChat: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/webchat

Veteran's Crisis Line

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

TTY: 1-800-799-4889

Website: www.veteranscrisisline.net

Connects veterans in crisis (and their families and friends) with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Substance Use Treatment Locator

Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder. Help is available. FindTreatment.gov.

Find Treatment in KY

Use this website to find facilities and providers who are actively taking new clients. https://findhelpnow.org/ky

Disaster Distress Helpline

1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746).

Website: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

Find alcohol, drug, or mental health treatment facilities and programs around the country at findtreatment.samhsa.gov.