Winter is the time of year where days get colder, shorter and darker and is felt by many people as the most wonderful time of the year. A time of celebration and gift giving, time to spend with family. Yet despite this, according the Mental Health Foundation, one in fifteen people experience SAD – seasonal affective disorder.

Although common, not many people are aware of this mental health problem. SAD is a form of depression that people experience seasonally, most commonly in the winter.  SAD is caused by the lack of light and low serotonin levels, and reveals itself in many ways: lack of energy, concentration problems, sleep issues, depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

The severity of seasonal affective disorder can range from “winter blues” where symptoms of SAD are fairly mild and are focused in the middle of winter. Many people feel they don’t need treatment with this type of SAD and feel they are able to continue their day to day lives. Yet  according to the MIND organisation, there are people who feel they need continuous aid to help them through this tough time of year,. Despite the range of SAD, the MIND charity tells us that there is no defining line between SAD and winter blues, and most self-help tips can to be applied to both types.

 

One of the easiest ways to help yourself or significant others through this time of year is exercise. Throughout London there are many “park runs” for example Nonsuch Park.  These park runs are a free way to run 5km with a community. There is no set age or pace, everyone is welcome whether you are an experienced runner, or a novice. As having experienced this running community myself, I was pleasantly surprised at the wide range of people participating of all ages, and the encouragement given to all by those volunteering and those running.

Paula Daunt, a dedicated runner told me that “The parkrun is a fantastic weekly event organised purely by volunteers. You can walk, run, jog or run with no pressure to finish with a certain time. It is a great way to get fit and meet new people. Everyone makes you feel so welcome and the support is amazing.”

By participating in exercise whether it be sport or simple tasks such as going for a walk, exposure to exercise outdoors has proven – according to the MIND charity- to help with symptoms of SAD, by increasing motivation, energy levels and lifting your mood.

 

If you would like to find out more about season affective disorder, visit https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/about-sad/#.WgwOtLp2vIU

Or if you would like to get involved in park runs, you’ll be able to find one that is convenient for you at http://www.parkrun.org.uk/

 

Morgan Grover Ursuline High School