Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD as it is usually known is a condition that effects some people during the winter months. It is a depression that effects people during the autumn and winter months when there isn’t as many hours of sunlight.

Because it only occurs during the winter it is sometimes known as ‘winter depression’, and is linked to the amount of sunlight hours available in the daytime. 

SAD is a recognized condition and you should see your GP if it starts to effect your everyday life or if it is really getting you down.

Some symptoms to look for are similar to depression and other anxiety disorders:

• Feelings or being worthless
• Feeling moody and grumpy
• Lack of any feelings at all
• Sleepiness during the day
• Weight gain due to increased carbs

Treating SAD

Like other forms of mental illness, Seasonal Affective Disorder can be treated. The usual treatment is to get as much sun light as possible and then supplement it with special lamps if needed. If this doesn’t work then therapy and medication are an option. Therapy is always preferred over medication and has been shown to be extremely effective.

Its worth remembering that SAD is a temporary condition and should disappear come spring and summer.