3 ways to prevent...

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER

PREVENT: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects a fifth of Britons during the winter. Symptoms include depression, lethargy, overeating, reluctance to socialise and sleep problems associated with a reduction in sunlight due to the shorter days. This disrupts the internal body clock. The degree to which a person is sensitive to this stems from factors including genetics and geography, with those living further north generally worse affected. You can reduce the likelihood of developing SAD by ensuring that you get as much fresh air and exercise during the day as possible – exercise encourages your body to produce feel-good endorphins, the hormones responsible for mood.

TREAT: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that SAD be treated in the same way as other types of depression. In severe cases, antidepressants may be prescribed. Some SAD sufferers find light therapy effective. This involves sitting in front of a special box that simulates sunlight. Studies show these are effective, especially if used first thing in the morning. However, recent research found that cognitive behavioural therapy was twice as effective as use of the boxes in the long term.

DON’T BOTHER: St John’s Wort is a herbal remedy that some people find helpful to deal with mild SAD. However, it is not suitable for severe SAD or if you use a light box as it can make your skin very sensitive to light.