Many of us have days where we don't feel so good and other days where we will fine.
However at this time of year, the number of people experiencing low moods may increase. This is known Seasonal Affective Disorder and it's something that millions of people suffer from each year.
But what is SAD and what should you do if you think you have it? Here's what you need to know...
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What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Seasonal Affective Disorder - shortened to SAD - is a form of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, hence its name.
SAD is sometimes known as "winter depression" as the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. It is believed that this is due to the lack of sunlight.
Seasonal Affective Disorder symptoms
Sometimes the symptoms can be mild however for others, it can affect their daily lives.
According to the NHS, symptoms of SAD can include:
- A persistent low mood
- A loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
- Irritability
- Feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
- Feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
- Sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
- Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low or decreased sex drive
Why do people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder?
According to the NHS, the exact cause of is not yet fully understood but is linked with lack of sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days.
The main theory is that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may affect the:
- Production of melatonin – melatonin is a hormone that makes you feel sleepy; in people with SAD, the body may produce it in higher than normal levels
- Production of serotonin – serotonin is a hormone that affects your mood, appetite and sleep; a lack of sunlight may lead to lower serotonin levels, which is linked to feelings of depression
- Nody's internal clock (circadian rhythm) – your body uses sunlight to time various important functions, such as when you wake up, so lower light levels during the winter may disrupt your body clock and lead to symptoms of SAD
They add: "It's also possible that some people are more vulnerable to SAD as a result of their genes, as some cases appear to run in families."
Seasonal Affective Disorder diagnosis
It is best to first make an appointment with your GP who will carry out a psychological assessment to check in on you and ask you about your mental health. The NHS add that the GP may also carry out a "brief physical examination."
They may ask about:
- Your mood
- Your lifestyle
- Your eating and sleeping patterns
- Any seasonal changes in your thoughts and behaviour
- Whether your symptoms prevent you from carrying out normal activities
- Whether there's anything in your personal or family history that may contribute to a depressive disorder, such as a family history of depression
In order to confirm a diagnosis of SAD, you need to check the following:
- Your depression occurs at a similar time each year for at least two years
- The periods of depression are followed by periods without depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder treatment and where to seek help
A range of treatments are available for SAD. and you should start by asking your GP for advice.
According to the NHS, the main treatments are:
- Lifestyle measures – including getting as much natural sunlight as possible, exercising regularly and managing your stress levels
- Light therapy – where a special lamp called a light box is used to simulate exposure to sunlight
- Talking therapies – such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling
- Antidepressant medicine – such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that SAD should be treated in the same way as other types of depression. This includes using talking treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or medicine such as antidepressants.
Light therapy is also a popular treatment for SAD however NICE have said that its unclear as to whether this is effective.
Mental health support
If you are going through something that is affecting your mental health, there are a number of people you can speak to anonymously and for free such as Samaritans.
You can call Samaritans on 116 123 for free at any time, as they are open 24/7, or e-mail jo@samaritans.org
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