Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Why do I feel down during winter?
Have you noticed you have been feeling down in winter compared to the warmer months? It is amazing how the weather can affect how we feel, think and behave. Research suggests our mood and outlook can be influenced by the temperature, the colour of the sky, and how much rain or sunshine we get. Scientifically, in the winter months we are exposed to less daylight and sunshine which can have an impact on our body’s circadian rhythms (our 'body clock'), as well as our hormones melatonin and serotonin, which affect sleep and mood. Colder temperatures and increased vulnerability to illness can also naturally lead us to hibernate, become less active and slip into unhelpful lifestyle patterns. The result can be our mood dipping without even realising it. We may feel down, less motivated and find it harder to bounce back from experiences of sadness.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Appropriately utilising the acronym ‘SAD’, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that comes and goes according to the season. People with SAD have symptoms of depression at roughly the same time each year, and while it commonly occurs during winter, it is not limited to the colder months, as some people may experience a pattern of depressive symptoms during the warmer months. Australians are found to experience SAD less than those in the Northern Hemisphere (countries that have much less daylight and colder temperatures during winter), however, it can still be helpful to acknowledge that the colder months can affect the way that we feel. This awareness can help us behave more purposefully with regards to how we go about our day-to-day routines. It can also help us to make decisions with our mood in mind.
How to look after your mood during winter…
- Increase opportunities for sunlight and exercise.
- Strike a balance between different activities (variety of inside and outside activities).
- Form and maintain healthy lifestyle habits – noticing when you slip can be helpful.
- Be flexible, adaptive and creative.
- Practice mindfulness.
If you are unsure whether you are struggling with SAD or would like to learn more about the differences between SAD and other Depressive Disorders, give the team at Progressive Psychology a call on 0477 798 932. Our warm Psychologists are here to help!