As the prospect of a hot BBQ-filled summer seems to be slowly receding
due to the persistent rain and lack of sunshine, feelings of despair,
irritability and depression can surface in many of us. In some, the symptoms may be so severe that
leading a normal life and conducting healthy relationships becomes incredibly
difficult and at worst, impossible.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) often referred to as the “winter
blues” or “winter depression” affects 1 in 15 Brits every year. It is a type of depression linked to the seasons,
in which symptoms are most prevalent and severe during the dark winter months.
The causes of SAD are not completely clear but many believe that we need
sunlight to stimulate the production of the chemicals in our brain which make
us feel good, such as serotonin, and those which help maintain our body's circadian rhythm (internal clock) such as melatonin.
People who suffer from SAD may experience depression,
irritability, sleep problems, lethargy, over-eating, a loss of concentration,
anxiety, a loss of libido and frequent mood changes, and may as a result, withdraw
and become unsociable.
If you
suffer from symptoms of SAD, here are 7 tips you can try, to help boost your
mood and bring a little more “sunshine” into your life.
- Light Therapy is regarded as an
effective way to combat SAD. The bulb in
a light-box is extremely bright, (10 times stronger than an ordinary light bulb). By sitting in front of a light-box for up to
2hrs a day, the intense light mimics the effect of natural sunshine and helps
stimulate our bodies to produce our feel-good chemicals.
- Get Outside whenever possible
and soak in as much natural light as you are able. Enjoying those little bursts of sunshine can
do wonders for how we feel within ourselves.
- Stay Active by walking or
going to the gym. Exercise is also a
good way of naturally stimulating the production of serotonin, which makes us
feel healthier and a whole lot happier.
- Eat a Healthy,
Balanced Diet. Healthy food will help boost your mood.
Our bodies absorb sunshine, and from it we get vitamin D. Try and eat
foods, which provide a good source of vitamin D, such as oily fish or eggs, as
this will help replenish your supplies.
- Keep Busy. Take up a new
hobby or visit friends and family, so that you have something you can enjoy
doing and look forward to. Support from
other people will help you get through your most difficult times.
- Try Complementary
Therapies such as counselling, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, as these can help
you find effective ways of coping with your symptoms, enabling you to live a more
normal and productive life.
- Consult Your Doctor if your symptoms
prevent you from living a normal life. A
correct diagnosis and an effective treatment plan can go along way to helping
you on your road to recovery.
If you suffer from symptoms of SAD and would like to discuss how psychotherapy may help you to cope, please call me to on 07834226025 to book your complimentary 30min consultation.
