Winchester News Online
Feeling down in winter is often regarded as winter blues, it may however be something a lot more serious
Winter brings many difficulties to people all around the country, the miserable weather, the constant darkness, the struggle to heat homes and horrific wet conditions.
But for some people the winter affects them even further, these people have a condition called SAD.
Lisa Fuido a Winchester based therapist said:
“SAD is a form of depression that’s affected by seasons and is usually heightened in the winter months.
“It’s usually affected by the lack of daylight hours that can heighten the symptoms of depression”
SAD stands for seasonal affective disorder and the NHS estimates around two million people all across the UK experience it each year.
“The symptoms are often similar to depression such as; low mood, irritability, withdrawing and not finding pleasure in doing the things that usually would”
“Fatigue and loss of appetite are some other symptoms.
“Our bodies are regulated by sunlight which is why SAD is exacerbated during the winter months”
These symptoms are often not recognised as an issue and are usually brushed away. It can often be hard to nail down these issues as SAD due to the lack of recognition on the subject.
Many people just see being down and a bit depressed in winter as ‘Winter blues’. However this can lead to major issues as people’s mental health may be drained even further if they do not try and improve their mental state.
“We do recommend taking a vitamin D supplement as well as eating a diet that’s high in vitamin D such as eggs and fatty fishes”.
“Spend as much time in the sunlight, going for walks and even little things such as sitting by a window.
“In terms of noticing it in friends, it might just be reaching out a little bit more. Sometimes it’s hard to reach out when you’re feeling low especially in the winter months the tendency may be with SAD to withdraw and to avoid things and avoid people.
“Sometimes it’s just about asking a friend to go out for a walk or a coffee”
SAD is most common in people aged 16-30, and males are most likely to be diagnosed.
Using the treatments Lisa suggests either on yourself or on friends and family could drastically help someone and possibly save a life.
It’s crucial to look out for people during these winter months as you may not even know how badly it affects certain people.