The winter blues, medically known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), effects 2 million people in the UK and around 12 million across Northern Europe, according to sad.org.uk
It's no joke when you feel depressed, and as the Autumn Equinox approaches (23rd Sept), with the official end of British Summer Time hot on its heels (31st October) the drop in the number of sunlit hours will leave most us missing the warmth, but for many it can be a serious bout of depression.
Circadian Rhythms
We all operate to internal or circadian rhythms which regulate our mood, hunger, sleep, digestion and energy levels. But when we adapt to change, like the lessening of light hours, these rhythms fall out of pattern, resulting in energy swings and SAD.
We can wind up feeling lethargic, anxious, lonely and in need of emotional support - but because these feelings come about with a gradual decline in sunshine and natural light, it may not be obvious that it is SAD. People often look for the cause elsewhere, and can end up finding fault with relationships, work or home life.
According to sad.org.uk, we don't function properly without morning light, and our body clocks don't produce the hormones we need to wake up and feel active. At night, if we stay up after dark, it causes more sleep and mood problems.
How to combat SAD
- Light therapy
Research hows that SAD sufferers respond well to light treatments. A lack of light effects our melatonin and serotonin levels but these can altered with lights specially designed to alleviate the stress of SAD.
SAD lightboxes are used and supplied by the NHS ad BUPA as well as other medical professionals. The notion that light enhances our mood is not knew, but modern scientific research has led to moderating and directing the right amount of light needed to boost our serotonin levels. Sad.org.uk have a list of recommended suppliers
If you're not an overt sufferer of SAD but have difficulty adjusting to the dark mornings, then a DawnLite natural alarm clock may be just the ticket. Rather than being shaken awake by a noise in a dark room, you can wake to the imitation of dawn light filtering into your consciousness.
- BACH Flower essences can help beat the blues.
Bach Original Flower Remedies are often powerful allies at times of emotional stress, and when tackling a seasonal disorder, like SAD, it makes sense to turn to natural therapies like light or flower essences to combat the imbalance.
- Mustard is great if you feel gloomy but don't know why
- Wild Rose helps you regain focus and drive if you simply can't be bothered
- Hornbeam counteracts the persistent Monday morning feeling
When taking an essence - just a few drops to a glass of water or drop them straight onto your tongues several times a day.
SAD is a serious, but well researched condition and you may find these resources useful.