Mental Health Risks (Such As SAD And Depression) For Workers Deprived Of Natural Light

Mental Health Risks (Such As SAD And Depression) For Workers Deprived Of Natural Light
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Getting to work before sunrise and leaving after sunset during winter months can lead to serious mental health problems, a charity has warned.

Going without daily sunlight can lead to feelings of lethargy and depression which may develop into seasonal affective disorder (SAD), Mental Health Research UK (MHRUK) said.

The warning comes as a poll found that three in 10 adults rise before sunrise during the winter months and return home from work after sunset.

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The charity's survey of 2,000 British adults also found that half were concerned that their workplace had little natural light.

And almost one in 10 said they had no access to natural light at all while at work.

Dr Laura Davidson, mental health barrister and trustee of MHRUK, said: "It is estimated that one million working hours are lost each year due to SAD.

"The common unhealthy work culture where lunch breaks are frowned upon is a likely contributor to the increasing numbers of SAD sufferers.

"Employers and educational establishments need to take on board just how important natural light is to good mental health.

"They have a responsibility to ensure that work and study environments have sufficient windows to flood the building with as much natural light as possible.

"Darker areas must be well-lit to address the negative effects of light deprivation."

Seasonal Affective Disorder: The Symptoms
Poor Concentration(01 of06)
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'Poor cognitive function' is when your brain isn't working as efficiently. this is not the same as having a hangover or not sleeping enough, this is a genuine inability to concentrate and remember things. There is also a lack of interest in your general day to day.
Drowsiness(02 of06)
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Low energy, lethargy and being less active than normal are signs of SAD. Keep a diary to see how many engagements you cancel or how you feel mood-wise to get a bigger picture.
Lack Of Libido(03 of06)
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In addition to other symptoms, a great tell is lack of libido.
Low Mood(04 of06)
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As SAD is a form of depression, so is a consistent low mood. This is more than 'the weather is shit' but rather an inertia, inability to get much done or to care about it being done. In addition to low mood, there is also increased irritability with other people and this comes from not being able to handle stress during this time.
Low Self-Esteem(05 of06)
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Negative thoughts and feelings, guilt and loss of self-esteem, hopelessness and despair, and apathy are feelings commonly associated with SAD. You may feel exceptionally more emotional and tearful - again, if you're a woman, don't confuse this with Pre-Menstrual Tension.
Overeating(06 of06)
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It's so hard to differentiate this one from the usual ramping-up of carbs and comfort food when winter sets in, but this is increased appetite and eating more than usual.

The charity hopes to raise awareness for SAD and depression during its annual wellbeing and awareness campaign Blooming Monday.

On the third Monday of the month, workers are challenged to dress brightly in a bid to combat ''blue Monday'' - researchers claim that the third Monday of January is the most depressing day of the year.

MHRUK said that thanks to a combination of bad weather, debt, the need for Christmas detox and poor motivation, the nation's collective wellbeing is expected to sink to an all-year low on January 20.

It is calling on people to dress in colourful clothing to highlight the plight of those who suffer from the condition and to raise money for research into treatments.

:: To find out more about the campaign visit www.blooming-monday.com.