Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Dec 9
Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, with symptoms usually being more apparent during the winter months. In the UK SAD affects about 3/100 people, with most people experiencing it in their 20s and 30s for the first time. Women are x4 more likely to experience it than men.
Symptoms of Seasonal affective disorder (SAD):
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of pleasure & interest in day to day activities
- Irritability
- Feeling lethargic
- Sleeping for longer than normal & finding it harder to get up in the mornings
- Feelings of despair, guilt & worthlessness
- Weight gain/eating considerably more than normal
- Cravings for carbohydrates
Although the exact causes of SAD are not known it is thought to be linked to the reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter months.
Here are a few ways to help your seasonal affective disorder (SAD):
- Getting as much natural sunlight as possible
- Light therapy – a special lamp can be used to stimulate exposure to sunlight (can be very beneficial for dark winter mornings). Lumie have a range of great lamps available that can really help with boosting your mood
- Talking therapies
- If necessary antidepressant medications can be prescribed
It is so normal, you are not alone! Yes, it may seem more comforting to stay at home and bury yourself in your duvet with lots of films but sometimes it can be good and beneficial to get outside and feel the fresh air on your face.
If you are struggling to cope or you need someone to chat to content the team here
