We look in depth at Seasonal Affective Disorder.

John Steinbeck said, “what good is the warmth of summer without the cold of winter to give it sweetness”. A lovely sentiment but one that is utterly lost on those that suffer with ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (S.A.D).

There is still a stigma attached to having mental health issues. Thankfully over time, we’ve become more knowledgeable and consequently far more understanding of those that struggle with their mental health. However, there’s a strange hinterland those that suffer with S.A.D find themselves in. A land where people are ‘almost’ sympathetic because they’re not quite sure you’re deserving. There’s a general perception that S.A.D is simply a minor irritant. Nothing more than feeling a tad under the weather during winter.

Those in the (PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER) camp may feel differently; once they know just how debilitating S.A.D can be. Sub subsyndromal or (S-S.A.D), more commonly known as the ‘Winter Blues’, is a recurrent incubus that creeps up on a person around November and cripples them emotionally until February. Those suffering from Chronic S.A.D will need continuous treatment throughout the winter months if they hope to function.

Symptoms include lethargy, the chronic lingering fatigue that makes even your limbs feel heavy. Anxiety, you are no longer yourself, you are overwhelmed by the slightest of things, your equilibrium is shot to pieces, for you each day is now a white-knuckle ride. Edgar Allen Poe described sleep as little slices of death, and those grappling with S.A.D will agree with that sentiment. As the disorder creeps in, some sufferers find it increasingly difficult to stay awake, others to sleep at all. You’re overeating your mood is in constant flux; as for the libido, your sex is no longer on fire. Nothing brings you joy, and last but not least, your inner monologue is on repeat, telling you that you’re a failure, good for nothing, useless, and lazy. You're officially S.A.D!

All is not lost! There are several treatments available to ease the symptoms and help you get back on track. As S.A.D is thought to be caused by a lack of sunlight, ‘Heliotherapy’ or’ Light Therapy’ may be just the thing. Exposing yourself to polarised polychromatic light for 30 minutes to an hour each day, will in most cases, considerably improve mood. It’s thought artificial light may improve S.A.D by encouraging your brain to reduce the production of the sleep hormone melatonin and increase the production of serotonin. If light therapy has no impact, try (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. If all else fails, your GP may prescribe you antidepressants, and there is not a spot of shame in taking them. Those with mild S.A.D may find their lot improved by eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise, yes that old chestnut, but it does work.

Is seasonal affective disorder a real thing? For those that do suffer with the disorder, that question is all at once belittling and infuriating, but again, you’re not alone. Recent studies have shown 1 in 3 Brits lives with S.A.D. If you recognise yourself or a friend in any of the above, there’s help out there. So get yourself to the doctor and stop suffering in silence.

Written by George-Carter Cunningham