Many of you will have heard of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and I am sure a number of you will also be affected by it. In the majority of SAD cases, the symptoms are triggered by the change in season – usually when the summer ends and we move towards the darker nights of autumn & winter. People with SAD will start to feel lethargic and moody and they may experience feelings of worthlessness and guilt. This change in behaviour and mood is distinctly marked by the change in seasons each year.

For those with the more-common winter-onset SAD, depression can set in for the duration of the winter months. They experience a loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy and find it difficult to sleep at night, which leads to low energy levels and sluggishness. They may crave foods high in carbohydrates and this can lead to weight gain which only adds to their depression.

A less common form of SAD is summer-onset SAD which occurs as the summer starts approaching. The symptoms are much the same as for winter-onset SAD except that sufferers tend to get anxious and agitated during the summer months.

It is important to get help if the symptoms are severe and causing problems. For winter-onset SAD the treatment often includes light therapy whereby you are exposed to very bright light from a light box for an hour or so each morning. Medication such as antidepressants may also help both forms of SAD and you should discuss this with your GP. Other forms of treatment include psychotherapy, relaxation classes, meditation, regular exercise and music/art therapy.

Do not suffer in silence. Talk to your GP. This is important because many mental health problems share similar symptoms with SAD, so you need a proper diagnosis before any treatment is provided. With the proper help and support you will be able to develop coping skills which will help alleviate many of the symptoms of SAD.