Ease symptoms of SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that can be experienced during particular seasons or because of certain types of weather. It is more common in the winter months when the weather is colder, the nights are longer and we get less access to sunlight.
Symptoms of SAD may include:
- lack of energy
- finding it hard to concentrate
- not wanting to see people
- feeling sad, low, tearful, guilty or hopeless
- losing interest in sex or physical contact
- suicidal feelings
- other symptoms of depression
- changes in your appetite, for example, feeling more hungry or wanting more snacks
- being more prone to physical health problems, such as colds, infections or other illnesses
- sleep problems, such as sleeping more or less than usual, difficulty waking up, or difficulty falling or staying asleep.
There are a variety of home remedies that you can use and activities you can do to cope with SAD.
You might want to try a SAD light that gives white off blue light. This is said to give you alternative daylight while days are shorter and more cloudy and wet weather.
The sun is a natural source of vitamin D, which helps with bone and teeth health, mood-lifting, muscle health and immune health.
But during the winter season, there are fewer sunny days, meaning people absorb less vitamin D. Therefore, vitamin supplements are a useful alternative to make sure you still get enough vitamin D during the darker months.
Head to the Disability Horizons Shop to buy theur range of Vitamin D supplements.
Other ways to cope with SAD include arts and crafts, indoor gardening (e.g house plants), yoga, meditation and massage.
If you feel you need further support to treat SAD, we advise you to contact your GP who may be able to prescribe you medication or talking therapies.
You can find out more about SAD by visiting mind.org.uk.
For more tips on beating the winter blues, you can read the full article on the subject on the Disability Horizons’ website.
