Have you ever stepped outside on a sunny day and found yourself immediately put in a
good frame of mind? Conversely, have you ever found yourself looking out of the window on
a dull wet day, and felt lethargic and despondent? It’s not uncommon for the weather to affect
our lives, perhaps ruining our plans for the day, and it is certainly a popular topic for
conversation!

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a condition which is characterized by depression during
the late autumn/winter months, relative to the decreased daylight hours, and resultant decrease
in exposure to sunlight. Consequently, the incidence of SAD increases as you move away
from the equator towards the poles, where many months are spent without any sunlight at all.

Symptoms include intense feelings of unhappiness, despondency, listlessness, over-
tiredness and the need for more sleep than usual, with an increased appetite, particularly for
sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods, and consequent weight gain. Whilst the symptoms may
appear similar to other forms of depression, conventional forms of treatment (such as anti-
depressants) are rarely effective.

Treatment

Whilst there is a need to carry out much further research into this disorder, two suggested
forms of treatment are currently available, although there is some discussion as to what side
effects may be experienced.

Light therapy involves exposing the sufferer to certain wavelengths of light for a period
each day. A simple solution which people can try at home is sitting under a full spectrum
lightbulb (available through lighting stores) for at least thirty minutes per day.

Another form of treatment which sufferers have found effective is herbal St Johns wort
tablets, which have an anti-depressive effect. These are now readily available in supermarkets
as well as health food shops, without prescription. There has been some discussion recently as
to whether St Johns Wort is entirely safe, and it is certainly recommended that anyone with a
previous medical condition should consult their doctor, the indicated quantities should be
adhered to, and St Johns Wort is not taken in conjunction with the use of light therapy, as this
may cause hormonal imbalances and unpleasant side effects.

Anyone who feels they may be suffering from depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder,
or feels they are unusually low is advised to seek advice. Often talking to friends, family or
even strangers about how you feel is a beneficial first step, and you will feel you are not
alone.

More information about SAD, and other medical conditions, can be found at
medical library net