Last Updated on February 29, 2024
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD is a type of depression that is brought on by the changing seasons. SAD can strike at any point in the year, however, it is much more common in the winter months when the temperatures drop and the days get darker.
Whilst it is advised that you seek advice from your GP if you think you might be suffering from SAD, there are things that you can do yourself to help relieve your symptoms and make things slightly easier, for example:
- Get as much natural sunlight as possible
- Exercise regularly
- Take a vitamin D supplement
- Use a lightbox or dawn simulator
- Try to manage your stress levels the best you can
- Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling
Online retailers AO.com recently commissioned a survey to find out how people in the UK felt about winter, both the good, and the bad. The survey looked into how many people have suffered from SAD but also focussed on how people in the UK make their homes feel cozier in the winter and make this sometimes dreaded time of year a lot more pleasant.
Off the back of the survey, they have created an infographic which details some of the key statistics to come from the survey.