{"id":245773,"date":"2020-12-04T09:00:38","date_gmt":"2020-12-04T09:00:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/info\/?p=245773"},"modified":"2024-12-02T08:28:21","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T08:28:21","slug":"coronavirus-seasonal-affective-disorder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.futurelearn.com\/info\/blog\/coronavirus-seasonal-affective-disorder","title":{"rendered":"Coronavirus and Seasonal Affective Disorder – How to Improve Your Mood this December"},"content":{"rendered":"

During the colder months of the year, the days are shorter, and we get less sunlight. For some people, this can signal the start of a difficult period. This year, in particular, things may seem a little more tough than usual. With this in mind, we explore the impacts of coronavirus and seasonal affective disorder, as well as some tips for improving your mood during December.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As well as looking at the causes and symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, we also examine what treatment options might be available and where you can get help. Whether you or someone you know is struggling during the pandemic, we also have some tips to help you during the winter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Seasonal affective disorder, often abbreviated to SAD, is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. You might also see it called seasonal depression or winter depression, as many people suffer from it during the colder months. However, some people suffering SAD express symptoms during summer and feel better in winter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to stats from Bupa, <\/span>around 3 in 100 people in the UK suffer from seasonal affective disorder<\/span><\/a>. Symptoms generally start to show during our 20s or 30s, but children can also feel the effects. Women are around four times more likely to experience SAD than men.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What causes it?<\/b><\/h3>\n

We don\u2019t know exactly what causes SAD, although there are a few theories. The main ones are linked to a reduced exposure to sunshine thanks to the shorter days of autumn and winter. This, in turn, results in the body producing lower levels of the hormone serotonin, which affects mood, appetite and sleep, while producing more melanin, which makes you feel sleepy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The change in sunlight hours and the shift in daylight savings time could also interrupt our internal body clock. Our circadian rhythm, as it\u2019s known, relies on sunlight to regulate certain functions. The interruption could cause symptoms of SAD.<\/span><\/p>\n

How is SAD different from depression?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of <\/span>depression<\/span><\/a>. The main difference is that, while regular depression can occur in episodes at any time of the year, SAD occurs only in seasonal patterns. Of course, a person could experience depression during the winter months, but this wouldn\u2019t necessarily mean it is SAD. The latter follows a clear and regular pattern.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Often, the symptoms and treatments for depression and SAD are the same. However, it\u2019s important to remember that only a professional can diagnose you with depression or seasonal affective disorder. If you think you are experiencing either one, you should consult with a medical practitioner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of SAD?<\/b><\/h2>\n

There are several common symptoms that may indicate someone is suffering with seasonal affective disorder. As we\u2019ve mentioned, many of these are similar to those seen in depression. According to the NHS website, these include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n