How Seasonal Affective Disorder could make people SAD during Lockdown

There is some truth in more people feeling sad, depressed, or blue during the winter months. The nights are longer, the days are shorter, there is less sun and more dark. This is what we call Seasonal affective disorder, or S.A.D.  According to the NHS, S.A.D, is a type of depression that “comes and goes due to changes in the seasonal pattern.” The condition can be also known as “winter depression.” Although S.A.D. sufferers are possibly experiencing their symptoms more acutely in the summer. The darker, colder weather in winter can bring on more obvious and extreme symptoms. 

The fear about a winter lockdown is very real and the public’s eyes are already focused on how we can cope in the coming months when the season has changed. With the 2019 Coronavirus infection rates still on the rise, it seems that there is still a long way to go for individuals to fully experience the pre-covid lifestyle. As the UK government announced a raft of plans – like pubs closing at 10 p.m. in order to turn around the rising number of COVID cases. Still, it appears that the path out of lockdown won’t be easy, for more cities are going into a localised lockdown seemingly every week.

Of course, the events that have been circulating throughout the Summer up until now have promoted a wave of franticness among the people. Thus, as the winter season is just around the corner, there are hypotheses that winter blues, coupled with localised lockdows, continued restrictions on behaviour and socialising will make this winter a harsh one to survive. 

It is believed that winter may be a stressor for people to experience S.A.D. In fact, one-in-three Brits suffer from S.A.D. And it seems that as winter approaches winter depression would become more widespread than ever. 

What can you do to avoid being SAD this winter?

Make sure that you let friends and family know how you are feeling. If there is a change in your mood, you will be the first to know. Discuss it, talk about it, verbalise it, so that your support network knows it.

Keep yourself busy. Keeping your mind occupied on work, family, activities and social life can stop it from wandering into the negative thoughts that can come with darker nights and colder days. 

Keep yourself warm. Make your home, and maybe your office a comfortable place that you enjoy being in. feeling warm and comfortable can lead to positive feelings inside.

Get a new hobby, or a project, or a puzzle. Focusing on things outside of work, and spending quality time alone, doing something you enjoy, can help you to stay happy and healthy.

Look after yourself and others this Winter. It could be a long one.

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