insideKENT Magazine Issue 32 - November 2014 | Page 94

HEALTH+WELLNESS

Seasonal Affective Disorder
According to the mental health charity MIND (www.mind.org.uk), there is no known cause
for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Or rather, not one main cause. And that makes it
difficult to spot, difficult to treat, and difficult to endure. However, there are ways that those
who suffer can get help. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Although many people find that their bodies and
minds react to the changes of the seasons, those
who suffer from SAD are more greatly affected.
Their moods and general energy levels are
disrupted, causing them to have problems in
their work, their social lives, and their ability to
even get out of bed on the worst days.

Due to the weather and seasonal changes in the
UK, winter SAD sufferers can begin to feel the
depression setting in as early as September, and
it can go on for many months if the spring is late.
For summer SAD sufferers, the disorder can
begin in April and go on well into October or
November if there is an Indian summer.

Winter is the main culprit when it comes to SAD.
The days becoming so much shorter, colder, and
darker coupled with a time of great stress and
possible heartache (we all miss loved ones who
are no longer with us at Christmas time, for
example) make for the perfect breeding ground
for this particular strain of depression. Other
seasons can also herald SAD for some sufferers,
but this is much less common.

MIND has collected a list of possible reasons for
SAD. None of them are definite, and they are
being researched, but it is a good place to start.
1. Light (and the lack of it): Scientists have shown
that the more light our eyes let in, the more active
we are. A lack of light in winter months could
mean that some people’s bodies literally slow
down, which could leave them feeling depressed
and unwell.

So what are the main symptoms of SAD?
You may find that you cannot concentrate on
everyday tasks, and that sleep becomes difficult,
even though you feel exhausted since you have
no energy. You may not have the motivation to
do anything that you need to do, such as leave
the house to go to work or school. You could
feel generally down and on the verge of tears for
no reason. You could feel completely numb about
everything. SAD can even bring about panic
attacks and moments of mania. Some people
stop eating, whereas some eat more than they
usually would. Since your immune system could
be compromised, you may become ill more often
with seemingly never-ending colds and infections.

then be able to discuss your options with you,
and which one you go for depends entirely upon
your own personal preferences.
There is counselling available, either individually
or in groups of fellow sufferers. It can be good
to speak about your problems aloud and hear
others who feel exactly the same. There is also
cognitive behaviour therapy, which is a process
that tries to connect thoughts and feelings with
physical problems, and offers ways in which to
cope with the problems – new ways of thinking,
essentially.
For extremely severe cases, GPs may prescribe
antidepressants. These are often a last resort as
they are not a cure but a way to manage
symptoms. St. John’s wort is a herbal alternative,
but care must still be taken with this route.

2. Serotonin: Serotonin is a mood-regulating
hormone that is found in lower levels in people
with depression. Those who suffer from SAD
may also have less of it.
3. Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that helps
us sleep, and it is produced when it is dark. We
feel tired and ready for bed. So it could be that,
when the nights start drawing in, those affected
by SAD produce too much of this hormone.
What can be done to help those who suffer?
The first step if you think that you or a loved one
.
is suffering from SAD is to visit your GP They will

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For more information on how to cope with
SAD and the other treatments available,
visit www.mind.org.uk.