Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

SAD is a type of depression. It comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD is also known as winter depression and people in Cornwall will be affected by it, just like anyone who lives where it starts to get dark before 4pm at this time of year.

With the official start of Winter season just a few days away, it seems a suitable to write about Seasonal Affective Disorder. SAD is a form of depression that people may feel the onset of, now the days are shorter and colder. Indications of SAD may be one or a combination of:

• A low mood that won’t go away.
• Lack of energy.
• Struggling to get up in the morning.
• A yearning to eat combined with weight gain.
• General irritability.
• An overall sense of malaise.

The symptoms of SAD can be treated, in a similar way to other forms of depression with talking therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT isn’t the only treatment that can help. Others that may have a relieving affect include:

• Exposure to natural sunlight.
• Regular exercise including walking.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
• Antidepressants (GP prescription).
• Light therapy via a special lamp called a light box.

SAD is an acknowledged condition and any counsellor will treat your case with care and compassion, just like any other form of depression. If you live in Cornwall and would like to talk through improving your response to wintry days, do not hesitate to contact me. I also offer SAD sessions via Zoom.