Winter months and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The onset of a cold, dark wet winter is enough to give anyone the blues, but when the evenings well and truly draw in, and the weather takes a typically Scottish, bleak and wintry turn …it is no surprise that more and more Scots are suffering the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD.

SAD is a type of winter depression that affects an estimated half a million people in the UK every winter – in particular during the months of December, January and February.

It is caused by a biochemical imbalance due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in the winter months and common symptoms include inability to sleep, irritability and cravings for stodgy, sweet foods.

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator for Breathing Space explains: “Many of us find ourselves feeling more tired as winter approaches, the reduction in daylight hours almost induces a feeling of jet-lag and even the chirpiest of us can lose the spring in our step at this time of year.

“But there are simple measures we can take, to stop the winter blues getting on top of us. Diet and exercise for example are vital. It’s all too easy to shut yourself away and reach for the comfort food. Opt instead for outdoor activities such as walking, and warming, healthy foods such as lentils, vegetables and soups.

“The importance of daylight cannot be underestimated, so try to get outdoors everyday – if just for half an hour at lunchtime. Also, try to manage your stress levels and relax, relax, relax. Work on creating a comfortable cosy haven at home where you can unwind and enjoy the long wintry nights.

“Finally, make sure you seek social and emotional support from friends and family. This, as with all the above, is important all year round, but particularly so during the winter months when we are less likely to be out and about. And of course, don’t forget that Breathing Space is here for you – at any time, and however you might be feeling.

“Many callers to Breathing Space are feeling the effects of SAD and often find it hard to pinpoint the cause of their low mood. Sometimes the thought of sharing with friends or family can seem such a difficult prospect that people prefer to pretend everything is okay. That’s where the Breathing Space team can help, we have specialist call advisors available every day of the year from 6pm – 2am (0800 83 85 87 – Minicom: 0800 31 71 60). 

Tony continues: “Sometimes, just talking to someone and sharing how you feel can be the first step in combating the effects of the winter blues. Call advisors can listen and offer advice, or suggest people or services that can help with more specific problems in the caller’s local area.”