Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a major problem in northern countries where office-bound workers rarely benefit from natural sunlight. Learning how to recognise and cope with SAD can help you have a happy and healthy winter.
Facts About SAD
- SAD is a type of win ter depression caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus owing to the lack of sunlight in winter
- Subsyndromal SAD (also known as the winter blues) is the disorder’s less severe form
- SAD is most common between the ages of 18 and 30, but can develop at any age and without warning
- A study reported 6-35% of SAD sufferers require hospitalisation during one period of illness
- Although most SAD sufferers experience the symptoms of severe depression, as many as 20% can experience or go on to experience bipolar disorder
7% of the population in the UK affected by SAD
17% of the population in the UK affected by ‘winter blues’
Daylight Hours
Nine-to-five office workers are unlikely to get very much natural light in December, making it one of the hardest months for people who suffer from SAD.
Working Patterns
200 years ago 75% of the UK and Irish population worked in natural light
Natural Daylight
Now only 10% of the UK and Irish population work in natural outdoor light
Symptoms of SAD
- Individual experiences with SAD vary, but there arc a few symptoms you can look out for if you are feeling blue:
- Negative thoughts and feelings of guilt
- Lethargy, disturbed sleep or narcoleptic symptoms
- Fatigue that is often incapacitating
- Overeating and developing a craving for carbohydrates and sweet foods
- Difficulty with concentration and memory
- Social problems, such as finding it difficult lobe around others
Treatments of SAD
- If you are experiencing SAD, or a case of the winter blues, consult with your doctor about the following treatments:
- SAD lamp therapy
- Try to find time each day to get outside
- Take regular, moderate exercise or physical activity
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Learn relaxation techniques
- Sit near windows when you are inside
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