Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Feeling the Winter Blues? How Counselling Can Help with SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often called the “winter blues,” is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, typically winter. Although people can think it is just a bit of a low mood, Seasonal Affective Disorder can have a very real and negative effect on people, causing serious low mood and depression. If you find yourself experiencing low mood, fatigue, and a lack of interest in activities during the colder months, you might be struggling with SAD.
 

What is SAD?

SAD is believed to be linked to reduced exposure to sunlight, which can disrupt your body’s natural production of melatonin and serotonin. These hormones play crucial roles in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite.
 
When we have depression or low mood through Seasonal Affective Disorder, this can significantly impact a person’s life in various ways, including their relationships. When someone is experiencing low mood, they may withdraw socially, becoming less engaged and responsive to others. This can strain relationships with friends, family, and partners. Irritability and increased sensitivity to criticism, common symptoms of low mood, can lead to frequent arguments and conflicts.
 
Furthermore, low mood can diminish a person’s enjoyment of activities they previously found pleasurable, impacting their ability to connect with others through shared experiences. This isolation and emotional distance can further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem, creating a cycle that negatively impacts both the individual and their relationships.
 

How can Counselling Help?

You do not need to suffer with the impact of SAD alone. While light therapy is often recommended for SAD, counselling can be a valuable complementary treatment. Here’s how:
  • Identifying Triggers: Counselling can help you pinpoint the specific factors that trigger your SAD symptoms. This could include social isolation, changes in routine, or specific environmental factors, all of which can have a huge impact on our feeling of mental wellbeing. 
  • Developing Coping Strategies: Therapists can equip you with practical coping mechanisms to manage low mood, such as:  
    • Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: These can help you manage stress and anxiety associated with SAD.
    • Improving sleep hygiene: Counselling can help you establish healthy sleep patterns, which can significantly impact your mood.
    • Social support: Therapists can encourage you to connect with others and build a strong support network. 
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Counselling can help you make lifestyle changes that can improve your mood, such as:
    • Increasing physical activity: Even short walks in daylight can have a positive impact on your mental well-being.
    • Improving your diet: Ensuring you’re getting enough vitamin D and other essential nutrients can boost your mood. 
Remember:
SAD is a treatable condition. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help from us. Counselling with Gloucestershire Counselling Service can provide you with the tools and support you need to navigate the challenges of SAD and improve your quality of life.