Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects around 2 million people in the UK and it often impacts people in winter due to the days being darker and colder. The symptoms that characterise it include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Fatigue and low energy
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Social withdrawal
- Irritability
- Oversleeping
When you’re at home and in a stable routine, this can become manageable over time but when your routine is out the window during the festive season, these symptoms can start to creep back up.
Jamie Winn, a pharmacist at Universal Drugstore shared with us how to manage SAD during these days of disarray when you’re likely to be away from home.
How to cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder during the holidays
Make the most of the sunlight
Make sure that you spend time outdoors during daylight hours. According to Winn, “exposure to natural light helps our circadian rhythm to regulate our mood, sleep, and hormones”. He adds that even if you’re not in a sunny place, wrapping up warm and going for short walks is a good way to get sun exposure.
Try to stick to a routine
While it likely isn’t possible to stick exactly to your routine, establishing consistency in your routines, even if it’s just when you wake up and when you eat can help regulate your circadian rhythm and alleviate symptoms. Winn recommends maintaining your regular sleep schedule as much as possible and incorporating familiar activities into your daily routine.
If travelling, make sure you pack essentials
Make sure that if you’re travelling, you bring with you the tools that you use to manage SAD. These can include medications, light therapy devices or even hobbies that keep you grounded. Make sure that you have enough prescription medication to last the entire trip.
Take your supplements
The UK Government recommends that everybody in the UK takes daily Vitamin D supplements during autumn and winter months to make up for the lack of sunlight inhibiting our natural exposure. Make sure that you continue taking these supplements throughout your trip to manage depressive symptoms.
Stay in touch with those that can help you
Winn recommends that if you’re travelling alone, you should stay in touch with friends, family or mental health professionals to ensure you’re combatting potential loneliness and staying in touch with people that can help you, should you need it.
Prepare for ups and downs
Winn recommends that wherever you are during this season, plan activities that you enjoy and promote your wellbeing. He suggests places near parks for walks or places that get a lot of natural light.
Reach out if you need to
Winn urges anybody that’s struggling to reach out for more help, should they need it saying, “If you are struggling or suspect that your symptoms are worsening, don’t hesitate to seek professional support or guidance. Your healthcare provider can consider other options, such as antidepressants, which may help to alleviate the more severe symptoms of depression.”
“Other people may opt for sleeping pills to help regulate the circadian rhythm if they are struggling to sleep. There are many ways to manage the illness and access support.”
Help and support:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
- CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
- Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.