SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)

As the darker evenings are drawing in some people notice that they do not feel so good in the winter months. If your symptoms are bad enough to interfere with your everyday life, you may well have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Also called ‘Winter Depression’ and ‘Winter Blues’.
In the UK, about 3 people in every 100 have significant winter depressions (https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/problems-disorders/seasonal-affective-disorder-(sad))
 
Symptoms of SAD can include:

• a persistent low mood
• a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
• irritability
• feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
• feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
• sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
• craving carbohydrates and gaining weight

 
The main treatments are:

• lifestyle measures – including getting as much natural sunlight as possible, exercising regularly and managing your stress levels
• light therapy – where a special lamp called a light box is used to simulate exposure to sunlight
• talking therapies
• medication

How can Solution Focused Hypnotherapy help?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy uses a combination of talking therapy and hypnosis and can help you:

• change unwanted thoughts and behaviours    
• manage anxiety and stress     
• learn relaxation and coping techniques      
• build your emotional resilience     
• improve your sleep - getting good sleep can help to improve your mood and increase your energy levels