Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (or S.A.D) is clinically characterised as a mood disorder (sharing similarities with anxiety and depression) but is associated with the change of the seasons. Typically, this occurs when heading into the winter months, where we, especially in Scotland, experience much colder, darker, shorter days with little exposure to full sunlight. Although, Individuals an have S.A.D any time of year.

• Symptoms:

- a consistent feeling of being very low,

- loss of interest in usual hobbies and activities

- Lack of motivation

- feelings of guilt or despair

- lack of energy 

- exhaustion

- over sleeping or sleeping through the day

- loss of appetite 

- weight gain

- craving carbohydrates 

- struggle to focus

- decreased sex drive 

• Causes

The causes of S.A.D are still undergoing investigation; however, it is believed that reduced levels of sunlight, shorter days and lack of vitamin D all contribute. It is believed individuals with S.A. D's may have an overproduction of Melatonin (The sleep hormone), which in turn will cause exhaustion, oversleeping and less motivation. Additionally, people with S.A.D may have an underproduction of serotonin (the happy chemical) which will interrupt mood, sleep and appetite. Also, the winter months disrupt the body's internal clock (circadian rhythm), the body uses sunlight as a guide to tell us how aware we need to be to tackle the day. Lack of sunlight will interrupt the body clock leaving individuals feeling much more low, tired and find day to day live is much more difficult. Genetics may also play a role, evidence suggests that S.A.D may run through families.

• How we can help?

Solution focused psychotherapy can help S.A.D as it will encourage new and positive methods of thinking. Hypnotherapy will use trance and relaxation to stimulate the production of chemicals such as increasing serotonin levels. Hypnotherapy also encourages individuals to make positive emotional and behavioural alterations by creating a more relaxed state of mind, increasing motivation, confidence, self-value, self-esteem and more! Typically 6-8 full sessions are required.

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