Are you SAD?

With the days getting shorter now, people who suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) are now beginning to feel the first signs. SAD is a type of winter depression that affects an estimated 7% of the population every winter between September and April; in particular during December, January and February.

Symptoms usually occur year after year and a diagnosis can usually be made after three or more consecutive winters of symptoms. But what are the symptoms? Well they can include:

• Depression
• Sleep Problems
• Lethargy
• Over Eating
• Loss of Concentration
• Social Problems
• Anxiety
• Loss of Libido
• Mood Changes

SAD may begin at any age but the main age of onset is between 18 and 30 years. What can be done? Well the good news is light therapy has been shown to be effective in up to 85 per cent of diagnosed cases. That is, exposure, for up to four hours per day (average 1-2 hours) to very bright light, at least ten times the intensity of ordinary domestic lighting. Alternatively other complimentary therapies or in some cases non-sedative SSRI antidepressants may also help alleviate symptoms. More information is available at www.sada.org.uk.

Seen on the Raise Review - Mental health Training adn Consultancy from the 100% service User Company.  www.raise.org.uk