Samuel Chiltern answered
There are two types of mood disorders which have been linked to (although not yet proven to be responsible for) depression caused by a lack of sunlight.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is the most severe, although there is another condition known as winter blues, which is also seasonal, but is milder than SAD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD tends to occur during winter months when there is less sunlight, but this is not always the case. As the name suggests, however, the occurrence of the disorder has a seasonal pattern.
The symptoms of SAD are similar to normal depression, and include a low mood and a general lack of interest in life. However, the symptoms do not last all year long, and normally clear up once the days begin to get longer again.
The precise cause of SAD is not known, but it is suspected to be caused by a lack of light exposure to the brain. There is a theory that suggests that the hypothalamus (which regulates mood, sleep and appetite) is stimulated by light, and that if it doesn't get enough, this can cause it to malfunction.
Winter Blues
During the winter months you might find that you lack energy and have less interest in socialising, but you might not feel the full effects of depression. If this is the case, then you might be suffering from winter blues.
During the summer months people tend to feel happier, and to go outside more often. This contributes to a sense of well-being that can be hard to replicate in winter, when the weather is much worse, encouraging people tend to stay indoors on their own.
Seek Help if You Are Concerned
If you are feeling depressed, and have been feeling this way continuously for two weeks or more, then you should visit your doctor, who will be able to check your mental health and refer you for specialist support if necessary.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is the most severe, although there is another condition known as winter blues, which is also seasonal, but is milder than SAD.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
SAD tends to occur during winter months when there is less sunlight, but this is not always the case. As the name suggests, however, the occurrence of the disorder has a seasonal pattern.
The symptoms of SAD are similar to normal depression, and include a low mood and a general lack of interest in life. However, the symptoms do not last all year long, and normally clear up once the days begin to get longer again.
The precise cause of SAD is not known, but it is suspected to be caused by a lack of light exposure to the brain. There is a theory that suggests that the hypothalamus (which regulates mood, sleep and appetite) is stimulated by light, and that if it doesn't get enough, this can cause it to malfunction.
Winter Blues
During the winter months you might find that you lack energy and have less interest in socialising, but you might not feel the full effects of depression. If this is the case, then you might be suffering from winter blues.
During the summer months people tend to feel happier, and to go outside more often. This contributes to a sense of well-being that can be hard to replicate in winter, when the weather is much worse, encouraging people tend to stay indoors on their own.
Seek Help if You Are Concerned
If you are feeling depressed, and have been feeling this way continuously for two weeks or more, then you should visit your doctor, who will be able to check your mental health and refer you for specialist support if necessary.
