Bring back the SUNSHINE

Dread the low mood that comes with darker months? Winter depression is a real thing, but help is at hand

DID YOU KNOW?

SAD can return each year. If you haven't made any changes to your lifestyle such as spending more time outdoors, it's likely to reoccur,' says Dr Meg Arroll.

If you've ever wondered why you feel down in autumn and winter, but brighter and lighter in the warmer, sunnier months, you may be one of many people who struggle with seasonal affective disorder. Better known as SAD, this condition only strikes at specific times of the year. While it's often mild - resulting in a low mood, lethargy and a desire to hibernate from the world - it can be much more debilitating and even trigger full-blown depression.

'Research suggests about 6% of the UK population could experience SAD,' says Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation. 'The exact cause is not fully understood, but it's linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days. Scientists think this may affect how our hypothalamus functions, which acts as our brain's control and coordinating centre.'

THE CAUSE

We tend to feel happier when it's sunny, but why does sunlight have such an impact on our mood? It's thought that when light hits the back of our eyes, messages are passed to the part of the brain that controls sleep, appetite, sex drive, temperature, mood and activity. If there's not enough light, these functions are likely to slow down and eventually stop. A lack of light can also play havoc with our hormones.

NORTHERN BLUE

SAD is more common in northern-hemisphere countries, where there are greater changes in weather and shorter daylight hours in the winter.

WHO'S AT RISK?