Ask The Expert
Seasonally SAD
Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder to varying degrees at this time of year, but there are plenty of things you can do to help get your sparkle back. Here are some suggestions from our Agony Aunt, Debbie Rix...
Dear Debbie,
At this time of year I can almost feel myself shutting down. As the days are get shorter I feel like I've got less energy and I don't feel like getting up in the morning or doing anything in the evenings after work. All I feel like doing is curling up in bed. Is it possible I could have Seasonal Affective Disorder? Or am I just being a bit paranoid?
Thanks for your help,
Sally
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi there Sally -
I think there is no doubt at all that you are suffering from a mild version of seasonal affective disorder or SAD as it is rather appropriately called. This condition is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter.
Many people suffer with this condition - but to varying degrees. In some it triggers a fairly serious depression which may even necessitate drug treatment, in others it may just be the feeling of wanting to hibernate. And in many ways, if you are suffering from the latter - I can't really see much wrong with it.
I'm a great believer in working with the seasons. In an ideal world we should eat seasonally and allow the weather and day length to dictate our leisure time. Unfortunately, we live in a society which encourages us all to eat and live in the same way 365 days of the year. A year-round supply of strawberries in supermarkets, air conditioned offices, restaurants and gyms - all add up to an unnatural environment that never varies - except for the day length. And day length, of course, is what SAD is all about.
At this time of year I can almost feel myself shutting down. As the days are get shorter I feel like I've got less energy and I don't feel like getting up in the morning or doing anything in the evenings after work. All I feel like doing is curling up in bed. Is it possible I could have Seasonal Affective Disorder? Or am I just being a bit paranoid?
Thanks for your help,
Sally
UKTV Style's Agony Aunt replies:
Hi there Sally -
I think there is no doubt at all that you are suffering from a mild version of seasonal affective disorder or SAD as it is rather appropriately called. This condition is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter.
Many people suffer with this condition - but to varying degrees. In some it triggers a fairly serious depression which may even necessitate drug treatment, in others it may just be the feeling of wanting to hibernate. And in many ways, if you are suffering from the latter - I can't really see much wrong with it.
I'm a great believer in working with the seasons. In an ideal world we should eat seasonally and allow the weather and day length to dictate our leisure time. Unfortunately, we live in a society which encourages us all to eat and live in the same way 365 days of the year. A year-round supply of strawberries in supermarkets, air conditioned offices, restaurants and gyms - all add up to an unnatural environment that never varies - except for the day length. And day length, of course, is what SAD is all about.
