26/11/2025
What is SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is sometimes called “winter depression”. It’s more than just feeling low when the days get darker — it’s a recognised condition that can significantly impact wellbeing.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent low mood and loss of interest in everyday activities
- Irritability, feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Fatigue, oversleeping, and difficulty waking up
- Cravings for carbohydrates and changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating and reduced motivation
For some, symptoms ease in spring and summer, while others may experience SAD during warmer months.
How SAD Impacts People
SAD can affect every part of life:
- Work and study: Concentration and productivity often drop.
- Relationships: Irritability and withdrawal can strain connections.
- Physical health: Changes in sleep and appetite may lead to weight gain or lethargy.
- Mental health: Feelings of despair or hopelessness can become overwhelming.
It’s important to remember that SAD is not a weakness — it’s linked to biological changes such as disrupted circadian rhythms, reduced serotonin, and vitamin D deficiency.
How Know Your Own Mind Can Help
At Know Your Own Mind, support is tailored to meet people where they are, with warmth and understanding. Here’s how counselling can help:
- Safe, non-judgemental space: To talk openly about how SAD affects your life.
- Exploring coping strategies: Together we can look at ways to manage energy, routine, and self-care.
- Understanding triggers: Identifying how seasonal changes impact mood and finding personalised approaches.
- Trauma-informed support: Recognising how past experiences may intensify seasonal struggles, and working gently towards resilience.
- Flexible access: Sessions available face-to-face in Higham Ferrers, or online/phone for convenience.
AD can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Know Your Own Mind, you’ll be met with empathy, clarity, and practical support to help you navigate seasonal changes and reclaim your wellbeing.
📩 Reach out today to begin your journey towards balance and brighter days.
Contact Nikki
07507176719
www.knowyourownmind.co.uk