The “Winter Blues”: Living with Seasonal Depression

When you think of winter, you may imagine giving gifts, a warm brew on a cold

morning, and watching a wholesome film with your friends and family. But for

around 2 million people in the UK, this is not always an enjoyable time of year.

Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is a type of depression that is experienced during

certain times of the year. It is commonly referred to as the ‘winter blues’ or the

‘winter depression’ because usually the symptoms are more apparent during the

colder months. But it can be experienced during other times of the year such as

summer.

It is not unusual to be affected by the changing seasons, and a lot of people can

experience discomfort associated with certain months for personal reasons. But if

these feelings are affecting your everyday life it may be a sign that SAD is prevalent.

According to the NHS website, some of the symptoms of SAD can include: a

persistent low mood, a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities,

irritability, difficulty concentrating etc. The NHS website also encourages anyone

who thinks they have SAD and are struggling to make an appointment with their GP.

Like many other mental illnesses, SAD is unfortunately often stigmatised and

disregarded. Common misconceptions surrounding SAD include: 

• “There is no cure, you just have to get on with it”.

SAD is treatable and can be managed. There are a range of solutions that are

available to lessen the severity of SAD. According to Mind, talking to someone,

seeking peer support and looking after your physical health are some of the ways to

help the symptoms. 

•  “The weather can’t affect you that much, SAD isn't real”.

This is definitely incorrect. According to the NHS Inform website, there is ‘sound

scientific evidence to support the idea that the season can affect our moods’. Most

scientists believe that the problem is related to the way the body responds to daylight

or lack thereof.

• “Everyone experiences low energy during the colder months, you’re no different.”

SAD is just the same as depression. The only difference is SAD is a version of

depression that happens at a specific time of year. SAD is definitely something that

needs to be taken seriously as any other mental illness.

Links below for support: 

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of -mental-health-

problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/about-sad/ 

https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-livi ng/mental-wellbeing/low-mood-and-

depression/do-you-have-the-winter-blues

Edited by Nadia Lincoln