It’s no secret that many of the things I like most in the world happen to involve the sunshine. The beach, waking up to the sound of birds outside the window, ice-cream, dog walks, picnics and warm evenings sat outside.
So, when the nights get longer, the temperature cools, and the leaves start to fall from the trees; I always start to feel a bit, well, different.
Is it real, or am I just imagining things?
There is no doubt that when my eyes start to open in the morning, I prefer to see that slither of light illuminating the room as it glows around the edges of the blinds. To be engulfed by the daylight as I take my first look out of the window, and welcome in a new day.
It makes me feel energized, brings an instant smile to my face, and I am ready to take on the world.
When those same eyes open to a blanket of darkness, my initial reaction is that I must have set the alarm clock incorrectly the night before, although I know this isn’t true. But I check the time anyway; just to be certain.
Sure enough, the time is right and when I glance out of the window into a sea of nothing, rain often bouncing off the glass as I do so, I’m not automatically inspired in the same way I would be if the sun was shining.
To me, it all looks so depressing. It takes that little while longer to prepare myself to tackle what the world will throw at me as I shake myself from that morning slumber and get ready to put my game face on. I thought I was just imagining things…
Seasonal Affective Disorder…
I used to think I was going a bit mad, unable to understand why I used to dread the clocks going back an hour, instantly longing for the clocks to go forward again, and for spring to arrive. Surely, it’s just another day?
It was only when I started to hear about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that I began to understand that there was a reason why I felt different but, in truth, I never really believed it at first. I thought it was a myth and that someone just made it up.
Then I realized that reputable health organizations had dedicated time to discussing it.
But what is SAD?
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has a useful guide on it titled “NHS - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Overview” which provides the following description and symptoms:
“Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.”
“SAD is sometimes known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter.”
“Some people with SAD may have symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter.”
Symptoms can include:
A persistent low mood
A loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
Irritability
Feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
Feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
Sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
Difficulty concentrating
It goes on to highlight that the exact cause of the condition is not fully understood, however, it is often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight. Furthermore, there are references to brain function, the roles of melatonin, serotonin and the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) but that’s too much detail for this piece.
That explains it then, well sort of, at least I am not completely bonkers.
Yes, I am just SAD
I would say that for me personally, it has more to do with the body clock aspect as I do tend to feel more tired in the evening when it gets dark earlier. And, as already highlighted, it does take me just that little bit longer to find my mojo in the morning but, that’s about it.
Yes, I prefer to take the family dog for a walk down the beach on a nice warm day and for us to stop for an ice cream along the way. However, ‘Sparky’ needs exercise all year round, not just the summer months. Football (soccer) is also a winter sport where I continue to coach my youth team, and my son still plays on Saturday and Sunday most weeks. So, it doesn’t significantly impact my ability to do things.
I am just not overly keen on the longer nights.
On reflection then, my symptoms are really mild, and very quick to overcome. For others, this may not be the case.
Everyone is different and Seasonal Affective Disorder can be debilitating for those with the most severe of symptoms. It can impact their mental wellbeing, their daily lives and create an annual rollercoaster of emotion and anxiety.
Be someone’s ray of sunshine, you might just make their day…
So, if most cases of SAD relate to reduced exposure to daylight, why not try and be someone’s ray of sunshine in a different way? It doesn’t have to be grand gestures, it can be as simple as holding a door open for someone, saying thank you and wishing someone a great day when you pick up your morning coffee, or letting someone out of a junction on a busy road during the commute to work.
It doesn’t really matter what it is, your token of kindness may just put a smile on someone’s face and give them a happier start to their day. SAD or not, positivity breeds positivity so…
Help turn a frown upside down and make every day a happy one.
David Armitage is the author of ‘Connor the Cornflake’, ‘The Adventures of Connor and Sparky’ and ‘Olly the Octopus’ Underwater Orchestra’. As well as his day job, David is also a volunteer youth football (soccer) coach.