Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also called winter blues or winter depression, is a form of depression. SAD is linked strongly to the changes in seasons – and the lack of daylight during the winter – and comes and goes. There is a definite link between the amount of sun a person gets, their levels of Vitamin D and mental health. During seasons with little or no sun, some people are more likely to have to deal with depression more frequently.

There are many symptoms of SAD, which often have an affect on day-to-day activities. Some of the most common ones you may be experiencing include:

• Feeling lethargic and lacking energy
• Finding it difficult to get up and out of bed in the mornings
• Low mood
• Low self esteem
• Irritability
• Lack of pleasure  from everyday activities

The good news is that there are many things that can be done to help with Seasonal Affective Disorder, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).