This article explores Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), its symptoms, causes, and management strategies. It provides practical tips for coping with the winter blues and emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help.
While Christmas is a celebratory time of year, the cold and wet weather combined with the lack of daylight can cause many Brits to develop symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder . Seasonal Affective Disorder ( SAD ) impacts around one in 20 people in the UK and is a form of depression that people experience during particular seasons or times of year. It is usually worse in winter but it can be the other way round, with people feeling blue in summer.
The exact cause of SAD, also known as 'winter depression' or 'winter blues', is not fully understood, but there are warning signs you can look out for that may suggest you're experiencing the common mental health problem. Symptoms of SAD include low moods, irritability, feelings of despair and feeling more tired than usual. The NHS advises that people should contact their GP if they are 'struggling to cope'. To help manage symptoms of SAD, independent regulator Healthwatch has suggested that people should try to get as much daylight as possible. You can do this by getting outside for a short walk during the day or situating yourself near to a window at work. In addition to getting more natural daylight, you can use light therapy to help trigger the same chemicals our brain makes when we are in the daylight. You can get SAD lamps, which are special light boxes, online. What are the symptoms of SAD According to the NHS, symptoms of SAD can include: And for some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day lives. How to manage SAD Here's some things you can do to help alleviate symptoms of SAD: Make the most of daylight hours: Exposure to natural light can boost serotonin and melatonin levels, lifting our moods and improving our sleep. Try sitting by a window indoors or getting out for a brief walk during the day. Keep your space bright and airy: Make sure your work and home environments are as light and airy as possibl
Seasonal Affective Disorder SAD Winter Depression Mental Health Light Therapy
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