Winter Makes Us SAD

By Alice O'Brien, Alice O'Brien Counselling, Newmarket

Have you noticed the evenings getting darker? Or the mornings being a bit less bright? Have you seen any pumpkins on sale yet, or even a very premature Christmas tree showing up in the shops? We cannot avoid it; the summer is over and the season is changing. Leaves are falling, Autumn has arrived. If you are a person who enjoys the cosy winter night and the fireplace, then this is probably something you look forward to every year. You may have the sweaters ready for the crisp evenings.

For others however, the changing of the season- from light to dark – can pose a real problem.

Seasonally Affective Disorder (SAD) is very common, with symptoms mimicking that of depression but confined to a particular time of year.

The most common signs of SAD are low mood, daytime drowsiness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, becoming socially withdrawn, feeling cranky or anxious and excessive tiredness.

Seasonally Affective Disorder can be managed well, especially when you are aware of it and take action immediately. Here is a few ways of treating SAD;

• SAD can be treated like depression, so talk therapy like CBT can help, as well as behaviour activation which helps to schedule in positive, meaningful activities.

• SAD is often triggered by the darkening of the evenings. So getting as much sunlight as possible really helps. So, try to get out at lunchtime if possibleor spend time early in the morning outside. Make your work or home as light filled as possible. You can also buy a light therapy box, which uses LED light to mimic sunlight.

• Getting some activity into your day- this may be a challenge the winter but nothing a good raincoat and umbrella cannot fix.

• Consider a vitamin D supplement. Call into Mairead or any of the staff in New Leaf and they will direct you to the supplements that are right for you.

And remember, the winter may seem long as we see it looming out in front of us, but all seasons change and the Spring will come again.