1 November 2007
Now the clocks have gone back, people are retreating indoors and complain of going to work and back in the dark during the autumn and winter months. The Mental Health Foundation recommends that people who are affected by the winter blues leave the workplace at lunchtimes to inject some daylight into their lives.
Many people find the autumn a difficult time with next year’s summer holiday seeming like the light at the end of a very long tunnel. For some, this time of year can even bring the onset of a medical condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression thought to be caused by a lack of light during winter.
With the cold outside, people can easily be tempted to stay at their desks over lunch, especially if they have a lot of work to do. However, workplace lighting is usually designed for the task in hand, rather than a person’s health, and so it’s important to get the benefits of daylight during the lunch hour. Even if it’s overcast outdoors, the likelihood is that there will be more light available than inside.
Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said:
“Lots of people find the winter months gloomy, and for those suffering from SAD just getting through the day can be a real struggle. Research has shown that a key factor with SAD is getting enough light, which has important effects on the brain and our hormonal system. For those whose feel that their mental health is affected by the seasons, we’d advise wrapping up warm and going for a stroll during their lunch hour. If you’re at home during the day, perhaps with children, pop out for half an hour so, even if staying in with the central heating on seems like a better option.”
Estimates vary as to how many people suffer from full blown SAD, but it’s thought that around 1 in 100 are affected by the most disabling form of the condition, with many more suffering from sub-syndromal SAD or ‘winter blues’ where symptoms are less severe. People’s experience of SAD will in many ways be similar to that of other types of depression, including persistent low mood, lack of interest or pleasure in day to day life, decreased libido and inability to concentrate or make decisions.
For most SAD sufferers, symptoms will resolve themselves with the arrival of spring but in the worst cases these problems can have a detrimental effect on a person’s ability to work or get on with their daily life. SAD sufferers may also notice other symptoms that aren’t so common with other types of depression including:
- Increased duration of sleep, known as hypersomnia – in other types of depression, insomnia is more common
- Increased weight gain, often accompanied by a craving for carbohydrates
As well as getting outdoors during daylight as much as possible, the Mental Health Foundation recommends the following ways to beat the winter blues:
- Light therapy using specially designed ‘light boxes’ has been shown to be effective in treating SAD symptoms
- Listen to your body – if you’re a little slower during the winter then try not to over do it
- Exercise and maintaining a balanced diet are excellent ways of looking after your mental health
- Some people may also find anti-depressants or talking therapy helpful – talk to your GP about these options
Notes to editors
For more information please contact Simon Loveland on 020 7803 1130 or email sloveland@mhf.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
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