Translation guide
A type of depression related to changes in seasons, typically starting in fall and continuing through winter. In Japanese, it is commonly referred to by the medical term, often abbreviated, or described by its symptoms.
The clinical diagnosis of depression triggered by seasonal changes.
The formal medical term for seasonal affective disorder. Used in clinical and academic contexts.
He was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder.
The English abbreviation 'SAD' is sometimes used in Japanese medical contexts, pronounced as individual letters.
Symptoms of SAD worsen in winter.
Literally 'winter depression'. A common lay term that focuses on the seasonal pattern, often used in media and everyday conversation.
Winter depression is partly caused by shorter daylight hours.
A less common variant meaning 'seasonal depression'. Sometimes used interchangeably with 冬季うつ病 but can refer to any season.
Seasonal depression can also occur in spring or summer.
Explaining the experience of seasonal mood changes without using a clinical label.
A natural way to describe feeling down when winter comes. This pattern can be adapted to other seasons.
Every year when winter comes, I feel down and don't feel like doing anything.
Literally 'become depressed due to lack of sunlight'. Highlights the common cause.
While SAD is understood in medical contexts, in everyday conversation it's better to use 冬季うつ病 or describe symptoms directly.
冬季うつ病 is a lay term focusing on winter, while 季節性情動障害 is the formal diagnosis that can apply to any season. Use 冬季うつ病 in casual talk, and 季節性情動障害 with doctors or in writing.
For people who get depressed from lack of sunlight, light therapy is effective.