Weather makes me gloomy

QI hate this time of year as I suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I’ve tried a light box but it gives me a headache! Marie, Bangor

ASAD is a form of depression that appears during winter, possibly because lack of sunlight reduces mood-controlling hormones, such as melatonin and serotonin, in your brain. This has led to treatment with light boxes, which imitate sunlight and boost your light exposure. Sitting in front of these for half an hour a day can help SAD.

Like any treatment, they can have side-effects, and headaches are probably a result of screwing up your eyes against the light. Try sitting further away from the lamp, don’t look directly into the light, and cut down your exposure time at first, then gradually increase it.

Your GP might discuss other treatments, such as drugs or CBT.