What is SAD?

We have made it through another January, and I’m sure many of us have welcomed February with open arms.

January gets a bad name, doesn’t it? The weather is cold and grey and there doesn’t seem like anything to look forward to yet. Although this communal feeling of ‘sadness’ could be related to SAD (seasonable Affective Disorder) whereby the symptoms of depression are much more present in the winter months. It is estimated that 3 in 100 people experience SAD in the UK every year. With men making up a high percentage of that number. The exact cause is not fully understood. However, research has suggested that some individuals may be genetically predisposed to this disorder and also environmental factors such as a lack of sunlight can have detrimental effects on the hypothalamus (the part of your brain which releases hormones, such as melatonin and serotonin). 

Have you read our previous blog about the importance of hydration? Read it here. 

What are the Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?

According to the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/

The main signs and symptoms to look out for are:

• A persistent low mood
• A loss of pleasure in everyday activities
• Feeling lethargic
• Craving carbohydrates
• Sleeping for longer 
• Irritability
• Feelings of despair, guilt and hopelessness.

The symptoms of SAD are almost identical to depression, however SAD is usually cyclical and the symptoms tend to disappear in the warmer months. 

What Support is Available? 

If the symptoms are becoming overwhelming and impacting other areas of your life, there is help and support available. Always speak to your GP when in doubt. Some of the main treatments include: 

• Changing your lifestyle, such as ensuring enough natural light exposure in your day to day life. For example, exercising daily outside if possible. An Occupational Therapist can help you to create a new routine that is productive, healthy and tailored to your needs. Get in touch for more information.
• Talking therapies such as CBT and counselling. 
• Light therapy, such as light boxes are widely available online and 10 minutes a day can improve symptoms.
• Antidepressant medicines such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) can be prescribed by your GP. 

Depression can be extremely debilitating and will often affect work and personal lives. Here at KMA, we work with clients who experience depression to overcome barriers and live meaningful and productive lives. If you would like to gain further information on how KMA can help you, please get in touch today for a non-obligatory call with our expert team.