The Beauty of Autumn... or is it?
Coping with the change of Season.
9/21/20241 min read
With the change from Summer to Autumn and Winter, many of us feel the effects of this in our mood lowering. The further from the equator we live the more prevalent this seems to be. Although this is normal, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be really intense for some people and can have some debilitating symptoms such as sapped energy, being less active, difficulty concentrating, feeling stressed or anxious, low self-esteem, increased appetite which can lead to weight gain - to name just some. I know I have experienced SAD throughout my life and for many years wasn't really aware that's what it was.
So what are the causes? Reduced sunlight can cause a drop in our serotonin levels. This is a neurotransmitter that affects our mood. Vitamin D is produced in the skin when it is exposed to the sunlight, as well as in the food we eat. Vitamin D can aid serotonin activity. Another chemical that drops is melatonin as we produce it from the sunlight. This chemical we make helps to play a role in our sleep patterns and mood. Significantly less sunlight can trigger depression. If we become less active, we may also have lower endorphins whizzing through our body.
What can we do? According to the NHS www.nhs.uk there are a number of treatments available. Talking therapies, antidepressants and light treatment. I swear by my SAD lamp. I find it really helps when I remember to use it! There are also things to try ourselves- see my FB page for my hints and tips. Most importantly, seek professional help if your symptoms persist for more than a few days. There is help out there.