The winter blues

Cold but beautiful

This disorder affects as many as 2 million people in the UK and is usually reported to be worst from November through to April. SAD can begin at any age, most commonly from the age of 18 – 30. The UK charity, SAD.org.uk, suggests that SAD occurs because of our hectic modern lifestyles. The body’s natural rhythms are disturbed because our daily routines are not affected by the sun’s movements any more. Hundred of years ago, humans spent more time outdoors and so had to wake up at dawn and go to bed at sunset in order to make the most of the natural light. Now, we stay up long past our natural time to be sleeping (particularly if we have an essay due in the next day), and are up before dawn to start the day’s routine (…okay, maybe this one doesn’t apply to students). Our ‘body clock’ is forced to constantly adapt to our fast-paced lifestyles.

The mental health charity Mind identifies the following symptoms of SAD:

• lethargy or fatigue – no energy for everyday tasks
• feeling under the weather – most people with SAD have a lowered immune system during the winter, and are more likely to get constant colds, infections and other illnesses
• sleep problems – oversleeping, disturbed sleep, waking too early in the morning, unable to stay awake during the day
• depression
• mood changes – in some people, bursts of over-activity and cheerfulness (known as hypomania) in spring and autumn
• anxiety – tenseness and inability to cope with everyday stresses; panic attacks
• social problems – irritability and not wanting to see people; abusive behaviour
• concentration problems – difficulty 'thinking straight' or making decisions
• overeating – craving carbohydrates and putting on weight (which may increase negative feelings)
• bulimia – eating large amounts of food and then vomiting
• loss of libido – not being interested in sex or physical contact
• alcohol and drug abuse
• period problems.

Treatment for this disorder is usually in the form of a lightbox, an artificial light source that produces the same amount of light as in a bright spring morning. This tricks the body into producing more seratonin (effectively the happy-hormone). Unfortunately, light boxes aren’t available on the NHS but even spending twenty minutes in front of one a day will alleviate the symptoms of SAD.

If you think you may be suffering from SAD, contact the University’s Health Centre for more information.

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