Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD is a form of depression which develops in the autumn and improves in the spring. Many of the symptoms associated with depression in general are similar – low mood and difficulty in concentrating. However many affected by general depression may have poor and broken sleep, whereas those who have SAD in particular, may oversleep and still feel tired. In general depression some people lose their appetite and experience subsequent weight loss, whereas in SAD the person may experience cravings for more food and calories.
SAD affects about 5% of people in the UK – one in twenty of us. Many people without SAD find they dislike the dark mornings and early evenings of autumn and winter, preferring the longer outside light of the other seasons. Increasing exposure to sunlight is one way you can help to reduce symptoms. In the less frequent drier autumn days, if you can, it can help to get outside as often as possible. If you are also able to take part in regular physical exercise, such as swimming or walking, you may also find your symptoms of SAD getting better.
As with any form of depression, if you are not feeling your symptoms getting better, it is always advisable to speak to your doctor to ensure that you are correctly diagnosed and to ensure he/she suggests referring you for other treatments as appropriate.
For those who are fortunate enough to afford a winter holiday in the sun, good sunlight but not excessive heat, can be of great benefit. However, recent research indicates that concentrating on increasing light exposure by artificial means is also able to reduce the effects of SAD
Light boxes are being proven to help people affected by SAD There are no absolute contra-indications for not using light boxes, although it is important to talk to your doctor to be sure you do not have any possible risk factors such as any eye diseases or problems like diabetes mellitus which can cause problems in the eyes or are taking any medication which might make you more photosensitive.
Further Information
Organisations
SAD Association
PO Box 989,
Steyning,
BN44 3HG
Tel: 01903 814 942
Website http://www.sada.org.uk/
A voluntary organisation which informs the public and health professions about Seasonal Affective Disorder and supports and advises sufferers of the illness.
The organisation has some light boxes for hire.
List of companies providing light boxes for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Please note: Inclusion on this list does not constitute a recommendation by Depression Alliance Scotland. There are other companies selling light boxes. Light therapy is VAT free.
Beat The Winter Blues
F Illand
3/12 Papermill Wynd
Edinburgh
EH7 4QL
Phone number +44 131 558 3677
E-mail address info@beatthewinterblues.co.uk
Website www.beatthewinterblues.co.uk
Light boxes for sale at a low cost.
Britebox
Goldstaff Ltd
Hexgreave Hall
Farnsfield
Newark
NG22 8LS
Telephone: 0800 1388 567 - 8am to 9pm, 7-days a week
email: info@britebox-sad-lamps.com
Website: www.britebox.co.uk
Light boxes and other equipment for sale. They also have a forum on their website for people affected by SAD.
Electronic Healing
28 Keymer Road
Hassocks
West Sussex
BN6 8AN
Telephone: 0870 9220068 (anytime)
Fax: 0870 0661921
email: goodhealth@electronichealing.co.uk
website: http://www.electronichealing.co.uk
Light boxes and other equipment for sale.
Lumie
3 The Links, Trafalgar Way
Bar Hill
Cambridge
CB3 8UD
Tel: 01954 780 500
Email: info@lumie.com
Website: www.lumie.com
Manufacturers of popular light boxes and light therapy equipment. Their website has information about SAD and a forum for people affected by it. (Used to be called Outside In).
National Light Hire Company
Rutlands,
2b Hartwood Road,
Southport,
Merseyside, PR9 9AA
Tel: 01704 530919 (information or advice),
Order Freephone 0800 074 1105 (Anytime).
Email: sadbox@aol.com
Website: www.sad-lighthire.co.uk/
Light boxes and other light therapy equipment for sale or hire.