Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is often referred to as the winter blues. This is a form of cyclical depression which commences as the days get shorter and darker. It is estimated around 1 in 3 people will be affected by SAD in the UK at some stage. 

The severity of SAD can vary a lot between individuals. Common signs you may be experiencing this are – your energy levels drop considerably after the summer is over, willingness to see friends and family decreases, you no longer want to leave your home and your mood noticeably decreases without an obvious cause. 

Commonly, people first notice this as young adults (18) – early 30’s. If you or a friend is noticing a loss in energy, trouble sleeping and a decreased mood, this may be a cause. There is not a known ‘cure’ as of yet, though certain things have been shown to help people suffering from SAD. 

A morning light that gradually wakes you up naturally, like a LUMI. When we wake up in the winter… it’s dark! We don’t have light stimulation to gradually allow our bodies to gradually release the hormones that wake us up. Instead, we get hit with that pesky alarm! This can reek havoc on our energy levels. 

Around 80% of the UK will need to supplement Vit D during the winter months. As we are exposed to less sunlight and the intensity of the suns rays reduced, we can’t absorb as much from the sun. Vit D levels have been linked to mood. With low vitamin D corelating with a low mood. 

Take a walk outside during the day light. Regular exercise and exposure to the sun are both very grounding and can help lift ones mood. As little as 20 minutes can have a huge boost for how you feel. 

It is difficult to differentiate between SAD and depression, so if you’re not sure which you may be experience, talk to your GP or a psychologist. 

Heal > Adapt > Evolve