Other sites in our network: What's on TV | Now | Pick Me Up | Puzzles and Prizes

How to beat SAD

SAD Seasonal Affective Disorder tips | How to fight SAD | Treatment for seasonal affective disorder

Average rating:

SAD now affects more than 4 million people in the UK. It's a form of depression that only occurs during the autumn and winter months, where sufferers experience fatigue, anxiety and depression.

And this year, the rotten summer means that up to 10 million people will experience 'winter blues' and are likely to be feeling gloomy and down during the winter months.

So how can you make yourself feel better and beat the winter blues? We have some top tips and expert advice from psychologist Donna Dawson and consultant to St John's Wort medicine Karma.

1. Try some light therapy

This is always the top treatment option suggested by experts. They think that SAD is caused by a lack of light that cuts serotonin in the brain - this is the chemical in the body that makes you feel happy.

You can buy a small lightbox and spend 30 minutes a day in front of it if you suffer regularly. They can be expensive, but people who've tried them swear by their benefit.
- Read how a lightbox changed Nikki's life

If you can't afford a lightbox, then make sure you get outside more often. Donna Dawson is a psychologist specialising in personality and behaviour and recommends a daily dose of sunlight.

'Don't stay cooped up in your dark, over-heated, poorly-ventilated office or home. Natural sunlight can help to synchronize our body rhythms. Without enough natural light, hormones can become unbalanced and cause mood disturbances, such as low feelings and depression. On sunny, or even cloud-covered days take a walk or eat your lunch on a park bench.'

By Rob Mansfield

Next: How to beat SAD: Part 2

Rate this!

Average rating:

All pages in this article

Please leave a comment, tip or story in the box below

Drene, 25 days

Sweathearts, do I know this feeling. Find People to nurture and forget about yourself!!!!!!! Drink tea, till it comes out by your ears and listen to classical music. Soon it will pass. Love you all, Drene from South Africa.

Report this comment