Seasonal Affective Disorder is more serious than just having the winter blues

AS the days get colder and darker, some people may develop a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

But it’s not just a case of having the winter blues, it can have a huge impact on everyday life.

Stephen Buckley, from mental health charity Mind, says: “If you have SAD, you’ll experience depression during some seasons in particular or because of certain types of weather.

“It doesn’t mean you ‘just feel a bit low in winter’.

“It can affect your life just as much as other types of depression.”

Symptoms can include lack of energy, finding it hard to concentrate, sleep problems, feeling sad, low, tearful or hopeless and changes in appetite.

Stephen adds: “The causes are unclear but we know a lack of daylight can have a big impact on mood, especially during the autumn and winter.

“When light hits the back of the eye, messages are passed to the part of the brain responsible for sleep, appetite, sex drive, temperature, mood and activity.

“If there’s not enough light, these functions will slow down and gradually stop.

“Some research suggests a disrupted body clock may also play a role if it’s out of sync with daylight, leading to tiredness and depression.”

Lots of people find their mood or energy levels drop when it gets colder or warmer but for those with SAD, these changes have a much greater impact on day-to-day life.

Treatments available include talking therapies and antidepressants, and some sufferers find it helpful to use a light box.