Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): What You Need to Know
During the colder and darker winter months, many people experience changes in their mood and energy levels. For some, these seasonal changes go beyond the occasional “winter blues” and develop into a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically starting in the autumn and winter, and then improving during the brighter months of spring and summer.
What Are the Symptoms of SAD?
SAD can affect people in different ways, but common symptoms include:
- Persistent low mood
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Loss of interest in activities you usually enjoy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in appetite (often craving carbohydrates)
- Sleep disturbances, such as oversleeping or insomnia
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, potentially interfering with daily life, work, and relationships.
Why Does SAD Happen?
The exact cause of SAD isn’t fully understood, but it’s closely linked to reduced sunlight during the autumn and winter months. This lack of sunlight can:
- Disrupt the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm)
- Cause imbalances in serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood
- Affect melatonin levels, which play a role in sleep
These changes can make it harder to feel energised and maintain a stable mood.
How Does SAD Impact Daily Life?
SAD is more than just feeling “down” for a few days. It can have a noticeable impact on your day-to-day activities including:
- Social withdrawal
- Decreased productivity at work or school
- Strained relationships with loved ones
- In severe cases, thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you or someone you know is struggling with these feelings, it’s important to find support in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What Are the Treatment Options?
There are several avenues of treatment available for people with SAD including:
- Light Therapy
- Using a special lightbox that mimics natural sunlight can help regulate mood and sleep.
- Medication
- Antidepressants can be effective, especially for moderate to severe cases.
- Psychotherapy
- Talking with a therapist can help you develop coping strategies and address underlying issues.
- Lifestyle Changes
- Regular exercise, stress management, and spending time outdoors during daylight hours can improve symptoms.
- Vitamin D Supplementation
- Some people find vitamin D supplements helpful, though research results are mixed.
There are also gadgets you can buy for your home to help alleviate SAD symptoms such as light boxes and sunrise alarm clocks. They replicate sunlight to help your body retain its circadian rhythms and offset SAD symptoms.
Seeking Help and Advice
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a serious condition, but there is plenty of accessible support to help navigate its impact.
At Abbots Care, we have a wealth of mental health resources to improve Care Worker’s knowledge on the topic to help them recognise low mood and keep accurate mental health observations of our clients.
We also encourage Care Workers to report their own mental health struggles with our dedicated Care Worker Liaison officers Alix and Michelle, who are available Monday – Friday to offer valuable support.
Furthermore, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is available to all our Care Workers and office providing useful mental health support, including up to 12 sessions of structured therapy, per year, free of charge.
