Seasonal Affective Disorder

In the UK, the clocks have gone backwards and there is less light in the day.

There is more rain and howling winds.

This means Seasonal Affective Disorder can impact lots of people and affect their mood.

Symptoms can be:

• Feeling tired lots

• Not finding happiness in your normally hobbies

• A low mood

• Craving carbohydrates leading to putting on weight

• Having problems concentrating

• Feeling that you are not worth your true value

It's not fully understood what causes Seasonal Affective Disorder, known as SAD. It is believed the lack of sunlight is a major cause.

Less sunlight can lead to less serotonin being produced. Serotonin is the happy hormone and without it we can be tired, lazy and hungry.

Your internal clock can be disrupted impacting your sleep cycle.

Back to hormones, the less light can increase the melatonin naturally produced within the body. Melatonin helps you rest and sleep. The increased levels of this mean you are trying to fight the sleep off. How do you avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder?

It's not a simple fix, but you can do things to avoid SAD.

Making the most of the winter sun when it comes out helps you. But even if it is cloudy spending time outside. The natural light is still more impactful than being indoors. (For anyone with limited mobility sitting in a garden for 20 - 30 minutes can help).

Sit close to windows, open your curtains and try and get as much natural light in when you are at home or work.

Keeping active and staying connected with friends can lift moods. Whether you are exercising at home on your own, having food with a friend or socialising in other ways.

Do your best to manage your diet. Craving sweet foods or carbohydrates that are common with snacking like sweets, chocolates and crisps can make you feel lazy.

Think about the choices you make with your diet. If you want something sweet can you have fruit instead of a chocolate bar or nuts instead of crisps.

If you do end up eating crisps, don't let it spoil your diet. Just start making sensible choices again.

Most importantly thought, remember you are not alone.

Lots of people struggle with mood when the mornings and evenings are darker.

If the tips above don't help you can speak to a medical professional who may have additional support and advice. This could range from medication, vitamins or other types of therapy.