Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) - How to spot the symptoms and get help to ease them
Many people find themselves struggling with low mood at this time of year. The clocks have changed so the nights get darker quicker and even when the sun is shining it is generally cold which makes getting out of bed in the morning a challenge for some. It’s normal for sunshine lovers to feel a bit “meh” when winter starts to appear but if you find yourself struggling to the point that you constantly feel really down and can’t perk yourself up at all you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder or S.A.D.
It’s not really known what causes some people to suffer from S.A.D, which is sometimes known as “winter depression” (although in a minority of cases people suffering with S.A.D actually feel the worst effects in the summer) but it is thought that a lack of sunlight is a major contributor for it. Sunlight aids our internal clocks (AKA circadian rhythm) and the production of serotonin which affects our moods so it makes sense that when we are exposed to less sunlight, our mood can drop. In some cases it is also thought to be a hereditary condition so if you have family members that suffer from it then you may be predisposed to as well.
But what are the signs that you actually suffer from S.A.D rather than just a longing for more carefree summer days?
According to the NHS website, people suffering from S.A.D are likely to experience a number of the following symptoms:
Persistent low mood
A lack of ability to enjoy normal everyday activities or things that would normally make you feel good
More extreme feelings such as guilt, worthlessness, despair or impending doom
Heightened anxiety
Heightened irratability
Lack of energy or more tired than usual during the day
Craving foods like carbohydrates which can lead to weight gain.
The good news is that there are a number of things that can be done to help ease these symptoms so if you suffer from any of these symptoms and they are impacting your day to day life then it may be time to speak with a doctor.
Treatments include light therapy, counselling or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and medication to aid the release of serotonin.
If you find your mental health takes a nose dive at this time of year don’t suffer in silence. You are not being silly, ridiculous, irrational or pathetic (these are words that my internal dialogue often throws at me when I am struggling with my mental health so I’m willing to bet that yours tells you something similar). This is a recognised mental health condition and any good, caring doctor will want to help ease the emotional distress you feel in response to the change of seasons.
For more information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/anxiety-type/sad/
