This form of depression relates to changes in seasons and begins and ends at about the same time every year.

Moving more and getting sunlight can improve the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

That’s according to Dr. Anne Kehoe, who’s a senior clinical psychologist and a member of the Psychological Society of Ireland.

This form of depression relates to changes in seasons and begins and ends at about the same time every year.

Dr. Kehoe explains what happens to people who suffer with SAD:

“If you look at the amount of change thats happening, the evenings are rapidly darkening and the days are getting increasingly colder and that affects our psychological makeup. 

“Theres a couple of things you can do. Try get more sunlight and try and get as much daylight as you can, this will help with your circadian clock.

“Get moving because our inclination is not to move in the cold but keep warm and keep active.” 

Dr. Kehoe encourages people to eat well because it can help regulate your mood and to try make time for social contact.

She said in extreme cases, people should reach out for support:

“So if you’re hitting into that kind of territory – like depressive symptoms – go to your GP, go see a psychologist or counsellor, or somebody who’s important to you, who can tell you ‘this is significant’ and you might need to do something more about that”.

If you have been affected by any issues raised in this article, there are supports available.

Contact Aware on 1800 80 48 48 or Pieta Midlands on 090 642 4111.