Skip to content
Standard 2-3 Day Delivery | Next Day Available
Standard 2-3 Day Delivery | Next Day Available
January 31, 2023 Jason McKenzie

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and how can you deal with it?

Now the clocks have gone back and we are defrosting the cars in the morning (personal experiences we share with many of you we're sure...), you may be starting to feel a little glum. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, sadness or just feeling a little under the weather, it could be because of the weather and the change of seasons, or even the lack of light you are getting...

Symptoms of SAD

The following symptoms which only occur during the winter months are most likely a sign of someone suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you are battling against:

  • persistent low mood
  • suffering from a distinct lack of energy
  • experiencing a complete loss of interest in your everyday activities that you used to enjoy so much
  • anxiety and irritability
  • craving carbohydrates and gaining weight

For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities. Fortunately, there are many ways that we can help you to pick up your mood! Most of which we will talk about below... Being irritable and craving carbohydrates (although quite a few claim to experience this all year round) is also a sign that the seasonal weather may be upsetting you! 

Typically, these symptoms are regarded as being an unavoidable problem for some, caused by the British winter. But that is not entirely true! The Daily Mail in the UK put together an article recently stating that there are some ways you can avoid the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. In fact, Dr Normal Rosenthal wrote a whole article revealing how you can avoid the winter blues as November comes around. The long list of aforementioned symptoms indicates not just a general lethargy, but a type of depression that comes and goes with a seasonal pattern, known as ‘winter depression’ or SAD. 

Heading to work in the dark

Many people will begin to experience SAD when they are stuck inside for most of the day. They will usually head to work in the dark, and also leave work in the dark. It gets to the point where a brisk walk to the local sandwich shop is actually a bit of a chore because it is so cold. The truth is, getting out and about could be exactly what you need. Recently, when the clocks went back, people got an extra hour in bed. This was an enjoyable moment for many, but now it may feel like no one will see the sun at all. 

Essentially, the change in seasons brings with it a gradual, creeping depression, and a condition known as SAD. Don't be fooled though, this sort of depression and anxiety is not an overnight phenomenon. You will likely begin to notice certain symptoms creeping in, like getting out of bed becoming a bit of a struggle, then fatigue setting in and you find yourself lethargic and lazy. You will constantly be heading to the fridge as comfort food beckons, but then you begin to gain weight and you just have a complete lack of motivation. 

Dr Rosenthal explains that over time, your moods get worse, and the term 'mood swings' comes to mind. You begin to feel guilty about something you may not have done and ultimately become extremely anxious. You just want to be alone all the time. Dr Rosenthal related to the experience of one person who suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder here. 

Shocking statistics

Seasonal Affective Disorder has grown in prominence over the years. There was a time when sufferers of SAD could not find anyone to believe them, let alone find some treatment. The good news is, for anyone who believes they are suffering from SAD is that it has won mainstream acceptance. Treatment is now available in various places, including the NHS, but the Mail reported that one in five Britons are believed to suffer from SAD. However, the symptoms and severity of your feelings do vary. 

So, by staying indoors you are exacerbating the symptoms. During the winter months, in northern hemisphere countries, the amount of sunlight exposure we enjoy is very limited – especially if we’re office-based and travelling to and from work in the dark. The lack of sunlight may prevent the hypothalamus, a part of your brain, working effectively, which can affect the production of the hormone Melatonin (this makes you feel sleepy – those of us with SAD produce more), a hormone called Serotonin (this affects your mood, appetite, and sleep, if this is out of balance you’ll feel depressed) and your natural body clock (circadian rhythm). Your body uses sunlight to time important functions, like walking or getting off to sleep.

Are you suffering from the Winter Blues or Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Most people who suffer with SAD often do benefit from light therapy; we offer this therapy option at Tower Health. There have been studies that have suggested that light therapy can actually be as effective as antidepressants. This is good news for everybody. The longer evenings can feel like a burden for many, but getting some light can help so much. Morning walks and meditation are key factors in helping people who think they suffer from SAD to overcome the disorder. To try and combat your symptoms, people have suggested morning walks, or a light jog if that is what you prefer. The mornings will be light, so get outdoors and look up at the sky (never directly at the sun!). Even on the cloudiest of days, there will be light.  

At Tower Health we are keen on natural therapies and drug-free alternatives, where possible. And, happily, when it comes to SAD, we think we’ve discovered an exciting new approach to light therapy, that is easy to use, saves time – the current old-fashioned lamps your GP will know about, require a 30-minute session, sitting in front of the lamp every day, and is a proven, medical device but completely natural.

 

 

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/

https://www.normanrosenthal.com/about/research/seasonal-affective-disorder/

 

Previous article 5 tips to help you deal with your pain
Next article 5 tips which could help you to sleep better

Best Selling Natural Health Products

  • Glucosamine gel for joints

    Joint Plus - Glucosamine Joint Gel 200ml

    £17.95 - £107.70
    £53.85
    £17.95
    £17.95 - £86.16
    £17.95
    in stock

    Nourish and improve mobility with Joint Plus Glucosamine Gel Targeted anti-inflammatory action from natural ingredients that work in synergy to co...

    View full details
    £17.95 - £107.70
    £53.85
    £17.95
    £17.95 - £86.16
    £17.95
  • Tower Health Nutriplex 300g 30 Servings

    Nutriplex: Collagen Rich Joint Health Supplement - Tower Health

    £29.95 - £143.00
    £29.95
    £29.95 - £143.00
    £29.95
    In stock

    Improve Joint Health & Mobility with Nutriplex Reap the benefits of our collagen-rich joint health supplement, packed with essential nutri...

    View full details
    £29.95 - £143.00
    £29.95
    £29.95 - £143.00
    £29.95

  • La Jeunesse Collagen Capsules 1200mg 60 Capsules - Tower Health

    £29.95 - £134.11
    £29.95
    £29.95 - £134.11
    £29.95
    in stock

    Introducing La Jeunesse Collagen: Your Comprehensive Skin and Joint Health Solution Discover La Jeunesse Collagen, a meticulously formulate...

    View full details
    £29.95 - £134.11
    £29.95
    £29.95 - £134.11
    £29.95
  • Bestlyfe Kidney Support Supplements

    Bestlyfe Kidney Support+

    £24.95 - £149.70
    £74.85
    £24.95
    £24.95 - £119.70
    £24.95
    in stock

    Cleanse, detox, repair and support your digestive system with Bestlyfe's Kidney Support+ Advanced formula containing 14 nutrients and vitamins to s...

    View full details
    £24.95 - £149.70
    £74.85
    £24.95
    £24.95 - £119.70
    £24.95
  • Paingone Plus -The Automatic TENS Pen
    Save 14% Save %

    Paingone Plus: The Automatic TENS Pen

    £49.95
    £59.94 - £59.94
    £49.95
    £42.95
    £51.54 - £51.54
    £42.95
    In stock

      Portable, Automatic Tens pen AS SHOWN ON TV Introducing Paingone Plus – your go-to solution for rapid and efficient pain relief. This compa...

    View full details
    £49.95
    £59.94 - £59.94
    £49.95
    £42.95
    £51.54 - £51.54
    £42.95
    Save 14% Save %
  • Jointplus Standard - Skin patch for better joint functions

    Jointplus Patches

    £29.95 - £29.95
    £29.95
    £29.95 - £29.95
    £29.95
    in stock

    A natural upgrade on the glucosamine patches Natural ingredients - contains Glucosamine and Vitamin A,C & E 30x pack Discrete and convenient -...

    View full details
    £29.95 - £29.95
    £29.95
    £29.95 - £29.95
    £29.95

  • Turmeric+ - 60 Tablets

    £12.95 - £12.95
    £12.95
    £12.95 - £12.95
    £12.95
    in stock

      Improve Wellness With Turmeric Support your wellness routine with BestLyfe Turmeric+ tablets containing over 1,000 mg of Turmeric per recommended...

    View full details
    £12.95 - £12.95
    £12.95
    £12.95 - £12.95
    £12.95
  • Liver and Kidney Bundle of supplements & Vitamins including milk thistle
    Save 9% Save %

    Liver & Kidney - Cleanse & Detox

    £39.95
    £39.95 - £209.70
    £39.95
    £31.95
    £31.95 - £191.75
    £31.95
    in stock

    BestLyfe's recommended supplements to support healthy digestive organs. Fight back against overindulgence with 26 nutrients that keep your liver an...

    View full details
    £39.95
    £39.95 - £209.70
    £39.95
    £31.95
    £31.95 - £191.75
    £31.95
    Save 9% Save %

  • Neuroplus+

    £24.95 - £149.70
    £74.85
    £24.95
    £24.95 - £119.76
    £24.95
    in stock

    Unlock your cognitive performance and enhance your mood with Nauroplus+. Our carefully crafted blend of 15 nutrients aims to elevate your m...

    View full details
    £24.95 - £149.70
    £74.85
    £24.95
    £24.95 - £119.76
    £24.95
  • Paingone Aegis Your Shield against Back Pain

    Paingone Aegis: Your Shield Against Back Pain

    £71.94 - £71.94
    £59.95
    £71.94 - £71.94
    £59.95
    in stock

    Wireless TENS machine for lower back pain. Adjustable intensity levels with remote control. Class IIa medical device. Can be worn under clothing....

    View full details
    £71.94 - £71.94
    £59.95
    £71.94 - £71.94
    £59.95
Shop collection