Seasonal affective disorder

I get very depressed in winter, but in summer I am like a new person what is this called? ...



I get very depressed in winter, but in summer I am like a new person – what is this called?


I think you have heard somewhere about seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and are wondering if this is what you have.

Sometimes this is abbreviated to the SAD syndrome.

Whether you have this condition or not is really a matter of degree.

Many people feel less lively, a bit withdrawn and a bit down in the winter. However there does seem to be a group of people who do get truly depressed in the winter time, and it may be that you are one of these.


Patients tend to experience a full depressive illness and get withdrawn, have appetite changes, become tearful, and in the worst cases feel suicidal.

As the days grow longer and the sun is out more, they seem to recover to a certain degree.

If you do get depressed as I have described, especially if you get suicidal thoughts, then it is important that you tell your doctor about the way you feel.

It is possible to help people through the winter months when they suffer this disorder. antidepressant drugs can certainly help, and as the condition is clearly related to lack of sunlight, light therapy using a light box can help.


The light from ordinary light bulbs will not do. A light box provides a very intense source of white light that mimics sunlight.

The treatment simply consists of sitting in front of the light for a couple of hours a day. These boxes are not available on the NHS and are not cheap to buy.

Don't just get one without consulting a medical professional first, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms.

Yours sincerely

The NetDoctor Medical Team

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