Home LivingWellnessSleepSigns you might be suffering from SADSuffering from seasonal affective disorder? Here are the signs to look out forWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessSleepSigns you might be suffering from SADSuffering from seasonal affective disorder? Here are the signs to look out forWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Suffering from seasonal affective disorder? Here are the signs to look out for
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Wondering about signs you might be suffering from SAD (seasonal affective disorder)? It’s the sort of thing that could easily cross your mind at this time of year.
As the winter months approach, the days are getting shorter, which means not only that it’s getting dark earlier in the evening, but also that the sun’s rising even later. This can mean a real struggle to wake up in the mornings if, over the summer months, your brain’s attuned itself to the sun being up for a while before you need to get out of bed, and that sort of bad start can leave you feeling out of sorts for the rest of the day.
There’s a big difference, however, between having trouble adjusting to darker mornings, and suffering from full-blown SAD. SAD is a form of depression with a seasonal pattern; in general, the symptoms begin in the autumn, peak in the winter months and tend to ease in the spring. While the causes of SAD aren’t fully understood, it’s thought to be connected to a lack of sunlight taking its toll on the body’s internal clock, as well as affecting the production of serotonin and melatonin.
SAD, like any other form of depression, can be thoroughly debilitating. Investing in one of thebest SAD lampscan make a difference, as well as trying outsoothing sleep tips for SAD sufferers. However, if you’re merely having trouble getting going in the morning, you might do better with one of thebest wake up lights.
If you’re not sure whether you have SAD or a bit of an autumnal blip, read on to learn the all-important symptoms.
(Image credit: Getty/Flashpop)
(Image credit: Getty/Flashpop)
Signs you may be suffering from SAD
The signs of SAD are similar to other forms of depression, the big difference being that they occur repetitively at certain times of year, and the nature and severity of SAD symptoms can vary from person to person – they may be mild and manageable for some, while for others they can be much more severe and bring with them an impact on everyday life.
According to the NHS, any of these signs would suggest that you may be suffering from depression:
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The NHS also points out that a small number of people might experience these symptoms in phases, with more ‘manic’ periods in between when they feel much more happy, energetic and sociable.
Beyond typical signs of depression, in the case of SAD there are other and more specific symptoms to look out for:
What to do if you think you have SAD
And while, as we’ve mentioned, SAD lamps can help – as well as trying to get as much natural sunlight as possible, taking regular exercise, eating healthily and avoiding stress – the main reason to see your GP is that other treatments may be more effective. These might include cognitive behavioural therapy and other forms of psychotherapy, or a prescription of antidepressants in the case of severe SAD. For more details, see the NHS page onSAD treatment.
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