Why You Feel More Depressed In Winter?

Why You Feel More Depressed In Winter? You could be suffering with Seasonal affective disorder – also known as SAD – is a mood disorder which gets worse during winter. But how do you know if you’re suffering from it? And what can you do to relieve the symptoms?

“Daylight plays an important role in maintaining our sleep patterns, appetite, temperature, sex drive, mood and activity,” says Bridget O’Connell, head of information at mental health charity Mind. So it’s no surprise that a lack of daylight could affect our general health and well-being.

“The amount of light we need to keep on track varies from person to person, but for some people, the reduction in daylight hours seen in the UK through the winter months is enough to significantly slow these internal mechanisms down.”

As a result, people could have problems sleeping and concentrating, difficulty coping with everyday pressures they normally take in their stride, and may become more prone to depression, overeating and illness.

“Anyone could be affected by SAD at any time,” says Bridget, but it is most likely to develop between the ages of 18 and 30. Research also shows twice as many women as men are diagnosed with the disorder.

Wanting to sleep or eat more during winter, coupled with being less inclined to get out and about, is a normal reaction to seasonal changes and decreased exposure to natural light. “However if you feel your low mood in winter is so severe it is preventing you from living your life as usual, and occurs regularly every winter, then you may have SAD,” says Bridget.

Symptoms may start between September and November and can last until late May. Once someone has experienced two or three winters of symptoms, they can be said to be suffering from SAD.

“If you feel you are suffering from SAD, you should visit your GP to discuss the best course of treatment, be that bright light therapy, talking therapies, medication or one of the many alternative treatments available,” Bridget advises.

Outdoor activity, whether it’s a bike ride, a run around the block or pottering in the garden, could have a positive impact on mood. “Research shows outdoor exercise could be as effective as antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression. In turn, exercise will increase physical fitness, improve self-confidence and self-esteem. Exercising with friends or an organised group could also help to lift mood.”