You may see changes in yourself as we get deeper into winter. For many, these changes may feel more intense and have a more drastic impact on their day to day life, which is known as a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a kind of depression that develops during the autumn and winter months. It is important for individuals to understand what SAD is and how they can manage it, but also for organisations to be aware of it. This way they can ensure that employees suffering with SAD can be supported effectively to ensure that this condition isn’t taking too much of a toll on their personal and professional wellbeing.
The very immediate reduced sunlight exposure as the clocks go back is the main cause of SAD. As the body’s internal clock will more than likely be disrupted, which will affect hormone regulation and influence mood.
This can in turn lead to:
- Fatigue
- Concentration struggles
- Increased appetite and comfort cravings
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Feeling hopeless
These symptoms often vary from person to person, but in general they all lead to impacts in performance, engagement and quality of life.
How SAD could affect work?
SAD may lead to reduced motivation, slower task completion, increased errors, or less appetite for social interaction. Being that employees might feel less resilient, more stressed, or struggle to meet deadlines, it is more important that these signs are recognised early to enable employers and occupational health teams to provide support and prevent longer-term effects.
Why using Light Therapy Lamps are effective?
One of the most effective ways to manage SAD is to get as much natural daylight as possible. If you’re mainly based indoors, this could even include sitting near windows, opening curtains or even short walks on breaks. However, given the shorter days, it’s more than likely that for most of us it’s going to be dark by the time work finishes, making natural daylight an impractical solution. Hence, Light Therapy Lamps are a very popular option to help combat this, as they mimic natural daylight and they can help reset your body’s natural rhythm, if getting outside for sunlight is unfeasible.
How else can I manage SAD?
Other than light therapy, there are other effective methods of managing SAD, if upheld regularly. Such as:
- Regular physical activity
- Maintaining a routine
- Staying socially connected
- Obtain a healthy, nutritious diet
For individuals whose symptoms significantly affect daily life, speaking with a healthcare professional can be invaluable. Treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and, in some cases, medication may be recommended.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is common and experiencing it is nothing to be ashamed of. By understanding the condition and taking proactive steps, it’s possible to reduce its impact and navigate the winter months with greater resilience. If winter consistently feels challenging for you, reaching out for support is a good first step to manage it.
