As the clocks go back it becomes apparent just how short the days become, as well as the limited amount of natural light we get, and the result can affect us both physically and mentally. Sometimes known as 'winter depression', Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. The term 'winter depression' applies because the symptoms are more prevalent in winter. Beginning in autumn - as the days get shorter - the symptoms are typically more severe during the months of December, January and February before easing off in the spring/summer time.
Spotting the symptoms:
The symptoms of SAD are extremely similar to depression and can vary from person to person. For some, the condition can be mildly irritating and upsetting, while others experience a more severe form of the disorder, which has a significant impact on their day-to-day life.
Sufferers often:
•Have persistent low mood
•Find that they have lost pleasure or interest in their usual everyday activities
•Can be irritable and lack energy - sometimes sleeping during the day when they normally would not
•Commonly experience a feeling of anxiety and low self-esteem
More severe cases can even make the sufferer feel worthless and full of despair.
What causes SAD?
While the exact cause of SAD isn't fully understood, or known, it's often linked to the lack of exposure to sun and natural light during the shorter days of winter. The main theory is that the reduced exposure to sunlight causes a part of the brain - the hypothalamus - to halt its production of serotonin, which in turn affects your mood, appetite and sleep. It also speeds up production of melatonin, which can make the body lethargic, which is why sufferers may feel tired.
Other issues may arise as a result of lowered exposure to sunlight, including impacts to the body's circadian rhythm. This is the process the body goes through in reaction to light and dark, and would naturally control when you wake up and feel tired. These lowered light levels mean the body's rhythm adapts to reflect this but our lifestyles don't, resulting in people feeling more tired during the winter months. In some cases, genetics can play a role and SAD can run through families, so it's important to find out family background if you start to feel symptoms of SAD.
Treatments
However, for more severe cases it may be a case of visiting your GP to seek further medical advice. Talking therapies such as counselling can help, or antidepressant medication may be prescribed in order to alter the body's response to the shorter days.
While not every case of SAD requires a GP, if you feel like you are struggling to cope with the symptoms it's always best to get some professional advice. Your GP can carry out an assessment to check your mental health. They may ask you about your mood, lifestyle, eating habits and sleeping patterns, plus any seasonal changes in your thoughts and behaviour. If you feel like you need some support or an assessment, visit your local practice or arrange an appointment at a location most convenient to you, be that at home or at work, via the Qure app.
Qure is one of London's newest and most innovative health services. It provides a speedy 24/7 'doctor to your door' service via an app; offering affordable medical attention at the touch of a button. To find out more about Qure please visit: https://www.getqure.com/