Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and How CP Clinic Can Help
As the days get shorter and the winter months approach, many people notice a shift in their mood and energy levels. For some, these changes are more than just a seasonal slump, they may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
What is SAD?
SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly occurring during the autumn and winter months. It is characterised by a recurring low mood and lack of energy during specific times of the year. While symptoms usually appear in late autumn or early winter and improve in spring or summer, some people may experience a reverse pattern with symptoms in spring or summer, though this is less common.
Symptoms of SAD
SAD can affect individuals differently, but common symptoms include:
- Persistent low mood or feelings of sadness
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping more than usual)
- Changes in appetite or weight, often craving carbohydrates
- Irritability or feelings of hopelessness
Why Does SAD Happen?
SAD is thought to be caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors:
- Reduced Sunlight Exposure – Shorter days can disrupt the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm), affecting sleep, mood, and hormonal balance.
- Serotonin Levels – Sunlight helps regulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood. Lower levels can contribute to depression.
- Melatonin Imbalance – Changes in daylight can affect melatonin production, which influences sleep and mood.
How CP Clinic Can Help
At CP Clinic, we recognise that mental and physical health are closely connected. While SAD is primarily a mental health condition, physical activity, movement, and tailored therapies can play an important role in managing symptoms.
Our team can support you through:
- Personalised Exercise Plans: Gentle, guided movement routines can improve energy, lift mood, and reduce fatigue.
- Mobility and Strength Sessions: Targeted sessions help relieve physical tension and improve overall wellbeing.
- Hands-On Therapies: Physiotherapy, massage, and other treatments can help release stress and improve circulation, supporting both body and mind.
- Lifestyle Advice: Guidance on structuring activity, exposure to natural light, and establishing routines that support mental health.
Take Action Early
If you notice the symptoms of SAD, early intervention can make a significant difference. At CP Clinic, we work with you to tailor a programme that suits your needs, helping you manage symptoms, improve energy, and maintain wellbeing throughout the darker months.
