Feeling S.A.D - TheSite.org

Got a question for an expert?

Get help and support by submitting a question to one of our advisors through askTheSite.

Submit a question

Next Steps

The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association - For information about symptoms and treatments for SAD.

Understanding depression

Learn how to recognise depression and deal with it here.

Health MOT for winter

Beat the winter blues and boost your energy levels.

Being positive

Staying positive can make you richer, live longer and less likely to become ill. So how do you go about doing it?

Connect with us on

Our Community

Need someone to talk to? Check out our message boards - a safe space to talk about whatever's on your mind :)

Join in

Local advice finder

Search our database of more than 16,500 local, regional and national organisations which offer advice and support.

Search now

Latest articles

Feeling S.A.D?

SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Although most people feel a little down when winter hits, SAD sufferers have symptoms that are severe enough to disrupt their lives.

Symptoms:

Sleep problems: oversleeping (but not feeling refreshed) and difficulty staying awake, or in some cases disturbed sleep and early morning wakening
Lethargy: too tired to cope, everything becomes an effort
Overeating: craving for carbohydrates and sweet foods leading to weight gain
Depression: feelings of despair, misery, guilt, anxiety, hopelessness, normal tasks become frustratingly difficult
Social problems: avoiding family and friends, irritability, inability to handle stress, feeling emotionally numb, loss of libido
Physical symptoms: often joint pain or stomach problems and a lowered resistance to infection
Behavioural problems: extemes of mood and short periods of overactivity in spring and autumn.

When does it start?

The symptoms tend to start around September and last until April. They are at their worst in the darkest months.

What causes it?

It is said to stem from the lack of bright light (daylight and sunlight) in winter, causing a biochemical imbalance in the brain.

Who does it affect?

Roughly 2% of the population of Northern Europe suffer badly, with many more (10%) suffering milder cases. Across the world the incidence increases with distance from the equator, except where there is snow on the ground when it becomes less common. More women than men are diagnosed as having SAD. Children and adolescents are also vulnerable.

What treatment is there?

A perfect cure is going to a brightly lit climate, whether skiing or somewhere hot (any excuse for a holiday!)

Otherwise, exposure to bright light every day by using a light box or a similar bright light therapy device may help. For most people, sitting in front of a light box for between 15 and 45 minutes a day (not staring at the light but allowing it to reach their eyes) will be sufficient to alleviate the symptoms. Some sufferers also need treatment with antidepressant medication.