Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. SAD can affect you during any season or time of year, but it is most common during the winter months as there is less sunlight. Interestingly enough, when light hits the back of your eye, messages go to the part of your brain that controls sleep, appetite, sex drive, temperature, mood and activity. If there isn't enough light, these functions can slow down and gradually stop. This leads to a disrupted body clock, high melatonin levels and being uncomfortable in colder temperatures. If you have SAD, you might experience some symptoms such as lack of energy, finding it hard to concentrate, sleep problems, diet changes and other symptoms of depression. What can you do to help alleviate these symptoms? Expose yourself to as much sunlight as possible during the day. Peer support, talk therapy and keeping a diary of your mood can be a huge support. Include a structure to your day and create tasks for yourself. Eat and sleep well, maybe even purchase a light clock or seek medication such as SSRIs (Anti-depressants). Remember that this coming Autumn and Winter will be increasingly difficult, bearing in mind the situation with COVID. It is vital that you look after yourself and prepare for the months ahead. There is light at the end of the tunnel. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Just Mates Podcast.

Hosts: Sam Mitchell & Nafees Akhtar

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