Blackout curtains are supposed to keep the room dark — but this is more. This year the mornings seem like the black of midnight.
Curtains open and it feels like the sunrise is yet to come. Middle of the morning and it still seems like early morning.
By early afternoon the doom and gloom are already starting to set in. Heading towards the late afternoon and the rooms are filled with darkness.
A reluctance to turn on the lights when the smart metre is climbing fast — as fast as the sunset seems to come.
With this can come a sense of despair — gloom — the onset of low mood that can spiral into depression.
Retreat to somewhere warm and cosy — a warm hub perhaps — a local library. Perhaps a friend or family member's home.
For many people, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) has existed for many years and this is nothing new. An experience many can now fully appreciate. One of the most common symptoms includes winter depression.
Feeling lethargic, craving carbohydrates and therefore gaining weight are just a few of the additional symptoms identified by the NHS guide.
Thankfully there are treatment options out there. Simple things like getting extra sunlight — using a lightbox and exercising regularly can help. For more severe cases medical interventions can be prescribed and people are advised to visit their GP.
Read about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/overview/
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