Is Seasonal Depression Real? What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Cope
Let’s be honest, when winter rolls in, a lot of us start to feel off. The mornings are darker, the days shorter, and the cold seems to pull a blanket over your motivation. Some people brush it off as “winter blues,” but others wonder: Is seasonal depression real? The answer is yes and it’s far more common than most people realize.
According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 5% of adults in the United States experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) every year, and symptoms can last about 40% of the calendar year. Women are diagnosed more often, but studies show men are less likely to seek help, even though the emotional toll can be just as strong. SAD typically begins in adulthood and becomes more noticeable the further you live from the equator, where sunlight hours are shorter during winter months.
So yes, seasonal depression is very real, and it’s deeply tied to biology. When the days get shorter, sunlight exposure drops, and that reduces serotonin and vitamin D levels. Your body’s internal clock, called the circadian rhythm, starts to misfire. Melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, spikes at the wrong times, leaving you tired, sluggish, and moody. Add in less time outside and less social activity, and you’ve got a perfect storm for emotional burnout.
Burnout, depression, and anxiety all suck. That's why I decided to do something about it while on a fishing trip with my friend Ray. During that trip, we talked about how every guy we knew seemed to feel the same thing that time of year, but none of us talked about it. That day on the water sparked Dad Bod Summer, a Men’s Mental Health Brand born from real conversations and a shared goal: help men open up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Every item we make, from Mental Health Hoodies to Mental Health Sweatshirts and our best-selling Mental Health Matters Shirts, exists for that reason. Our Mental Health Apparel is designed to be more than clothing; it’s a message. It says, “You’re not the only one feeling like this, and it’s okay to talk about it.” That’s why 5% of every sale goes directly to charities that support Men’s Mental Health Awareness, therapy accessibility, and suicide prevention programs.
If you’re dealing with seasonal depression, start small. Go outside during daylight hours, even if it’s cold. Light therapy boxes are proven to help, and so are daily routines that get you moving. Studies show that 30 minutes of moderate activity per day can significantly reduce depressive symptoms, even walking your dog or taking a short midday break makes a difference. And don’t forget about human connection. Talking to someone, a friend, family member, or therapist, can interrupt the mental spiral before it takes over.
Most importantly, remember this: seasonal depression doesn’t mean you’re broken or lazy. It’s your body reacting to a real change in your environment. Awareness is power, and taking small steps, getting sunlight, staying active, talking openly, can get you through the darkest months.
That’s what Dad Bod Summer is all about. We may have the word summer in our name, but our mission lasts through every season. We’re here to remind you that no matter how cold it gets, there’s always light ahead, and sometimes, that light starts with a simple reminder on your shirt.
Shop the full Mental Health Apparel Collection by clicking this link!
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