S.A.D. – Seasonal Affective Disorder

S.A.D.
Seasonal Affective  Disorder

The dark nights are here, despite the clocks going back, the dark early mornings are also here. Whether you work days or nights, it seems we travel to and from work in a mediocre light at best, darkness at worst. We glance out the window, trying to get some daylight. We either see the day pass us by, behind work windows or sleep thru it 🙁

For most of us, as much as we love evenings in, in front of the fire, or PJ days, for others this lack of light is a tad depressing. And I don’t use that word lightly. I adore being outdoors, no matter what the weather. If its mild and /or sunny(bright) all the better. I find if I don’t get to see or “feel” daylight daily, I start to feel sluggish, out of sorts and not functioning on all four cylinders. SAD is quite an apt description of how I feel. I miss daylight.

So what exactly is SAD and what can we do to recognise and help if those feelings arise……

SAD is sometimes known as winter depression because the symptoms are more apparent in the winter months
Symptoms include:

• Low mood
• Loss of interest in ordinary things
• Being less active
• Putting on weight [craving carbs/sweetstuff]
• Sleeping more
• Sleep problems
• Lethargy
• Anxiety
• Loss of libido
• Mood changes

Most sufferers show signs of weakened immunity during the winter and are more vulnerable to infections/illnesses.

SAD symptoms almost seem to disappear over night once spring has sprung. They either disappear suddenly and are tied with a burst of almost hyperactivity on the sufferers part, or more sedately. It all depends on the amount of sunshine. But the phrase ” full of the joys of spring” comes to mind…….

It’s almost like we want to go into hibernation, but life ain’t like that. No matter how we feel, we can’t switch off for the winter. The “winter blues” are the bane of many people’s lives. SAD is thought to affect approximately 7% of the population. It also tends to affect younger people. Depression* in general effects twice as many women as it does men, I suspect the same is said of SAD sufferers. A diagnosis is normally made, if you have three recurring winters with symptoms included above.

*depression when you have feelings of extreme sadness, despair or inadequacy that lasts a long time

Like all sufferers, there is help…..You are NOT alone

Symptoms can make a person feel tired stressed and unhappy. However there are treatments that are found to help alleviate the symptoms. One of the most fascinating is Light Therapy. {Treatment with bright light}
Talking therapies {eg cognitive behaviour therapy}
Antidepressants prescribed by your GP
Health remedies {eg St Johns Wort} (always consult GP when taking any medication)

Light therapy

SAD lights are entirely safe to use and you can buy them online for between £30-£100 up to £300. The price range reflects the machine. Strength of light, programmes it delivers, etc. Always shop around for what you feel suits your needs and your financial pocket. They do come with cautions: consult your Dr before use if you are sensitive to light; are/have been taking antidepressants; are/have taken medication for epilepsy. To read their full advice re light therapy, please check their web page

Whilst I’ve never officially been diagnosed with SAD, I do recognise each year that I suffer from a few of the symptoms. Personally, I try to get out every day, even if it’s wet. Having a dog who needs routine leg lifts plus exercise walks helps encourage me up and out too. I’m also a winter runner. I’m not sure whether I feel more self-conscious in the summer, but there’s nothing more refreshing than running in the quiet of winter  And exercise as discussed in previous articles is an automatic boost to the system.

I also up the ante and make sure I take an ‘all singing all dancing’ multivitamin/mineral tablet. In the summer my diet plus sunshine/daylight!! gives me bags of energy. In the winter I feel my body needs the extra help, maybe to defend against infection. I have never had the flu, nor do I get the flu jab(but that’s my personal stance and I’m not going to argue/justify why, thanks). I work night shifts, so in the winter, I try not to sleep all day as I miss the daylight, or I stay up the next am and sleep in the afternoon as catchup. We used to manage a reptile shop and I swear those lights helped. Am thinking rather than just a light box maybe we need a vivarium and some tree frogs ;D

I’m very conscious that for some SAD can be very debilitating. If you are a sufferer or think you might be, always seek help. The winter can be a long and lonely time. And has been said before. You are never alone.
I hope this article has given some insight to a condition they call the winter blues. For more information the usual websites are listed below.

information

www.sada.org.uk
(A voluntary organisation and registered charity that informs the public and Health Professionals about SAD and supports and advises sufferers of the condition.)
www.sad.org.uk
www.nhs.uk
www.bupa.co.uk