SAD and low mood

It's that time of year again when things get a little bit grey - there's no wonder that this Monday is known as Blue Monday! Today we're going to talk a little bit about SAD and low mood, and what you can do at this time of year to combat it.

SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder - this basically means that people tend to get a little bit low at this time of year. The NHS estimates that SAD affects around 1 in 15 people in the UK between September and April. That’s a lot!

It’s a bit different from depression, as depression can happen at any time of the year and is a longer-term condition than SAD. However, some symptoms are quite similar, and include oversleeping, low mood, tiredness, and changes in appetite. Sounds like you? It sounds like me too!

One of the best ways to combat SAD in particular is light therapy - there are certain types of lamps that mimic natural daylight. Not only are they great for taking selfies (an unexpected perk!) but they also help combat SAD! Maybe talk to your GP about getting one, if you think that this would help.

Another way to help low mood at this time of year is to make sure you get outside. Although it isn't quite as lovely as taking a long walk on a summer's day, it has been shown that getting outside helps with SAD, as you're getting out in the fresh air and doing a bit of exercise alongside it.

Remember, Nightline is always here to help!

-Wendy