S.A.D times ahead

As the evenings draw in and mornings stay darker for longer, many of us feel it deeply. Maybe you feel more tired, less motivated, or just not quite yourself? It goes beyond the “winter blues” and becomes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a form of depression linked to the change in seasons.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. SAD is real, and there are ways to make the months ahead feel a little lighter. It’s thought to be connected to the lack of sunlight in winter, which affects the body’s natural rhythm, disrupts sleep, and lowers the brain chemicals that help regulate mood. The result can be low energy, a heavy sadness, changes in appetite, and sometimes a sense of wanting to hide away until spring returns.

The good news is there are small steps that help. Some people find light therapy lamps useful, especially when used in the morning to mimic natural sunlight. A short walk outside can lift your mood, because daylight — even on cloudy days — supports your body’s balance. If you’re commuting in and out of work in darkness it’s even more important.

It can also help to keep a steady routine — going to bed and waking at the same time, eating well, and finding little moments in your day. Again, going out for a walk can really help here, especially in nature where you get a sense of things not being static! Small signs that things are constantly changing and Spring will return!

If symptoms start to feel overwhelming, speaking to a GP or therapist is an important step. With the right support it is possible to manage symptoms and feel more like yourself again. You don’t have to get through darker days alone.