It's OK...to not be OK

I'm fine..

These two words must be the most common lie there is. Why is it that we find it so hard to say I'm not ok, I need help..

New research has shown that one in three people in the UK suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

The findings indicate that women are 40 per cent more likely than men to experience symptoms of the condition also known as “winter depression”.

This reasearch, commissioned by The Weather Channel and YouGov, shows that 29 per cent of adults experience symptoms of SAD at this time of year.

Over half (57 per cent) of adults say their overall mood is worse in the winter season compared to the summer season, highlighting the strong links between the weather and wellbeing.

So are you feeling a little SAD this winter?

Symptoms

The NHS state that symptoms of SAD 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

For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.

You could have some or all of the symptoms which means it can be dismissed easily as just being a bit under the weather.. or a bit 'Sad'

Treatment

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that SAD should be treated in the same way as other types of depression.

Talking Therapy,

During talking therapy, a trained counsellor or therapist listens to you and helps you find your own answers to problems, without judging you.

The therapist will give you time to talk, cry, shout or just think. It's an opportunity to look at your problems in a different way with someone who'll respect you and your opinions.

Usually, you'll talk one-to-one with the therapist. Sometimes talking treatments are held in groups or couples, such as relationship counselling.

They'll usually be done face-to-face, but you might be able to have talking therapy over the phone, via email or on Skype.

Although there are lots of different types of talking therapy, they all have a similar aim: to help you feel better.

Some people say that talking therapies don't make their problems go away, but they find it easier to cope with them and feel happier.

Cognative Behavioural Therapy,

CBT is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle.

CBT aims to help you deal with overwhelming problems in a more positive way by breaking them down into smaller parts.

You're shown how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you feel.

Unlike some other talking treatments, CBT deals with your current problems, rather than focusing on issues from your past.

It looks for practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis.

Medication such as Antidepressants or Change of lifestyle.

A great way to lift the mood is to exercise.

Get plenty of fresh air but, if you have to stay indoors then sit near a window.

ASMR is also thought to be helpful to calm anxiety and even out temper.

Finally light therapy is another method that can be used, however it hasn't been proven to significantly improve mood.

If you find yourself needing additional support there is a list of places to go below

Anxiety UK

Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)

Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk

Bipolar UK

A charity helping people living with manic depression or bipolar disorder.

Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk

CALM

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Website: www.thecalmzone.net

Men's Health Forum

24/7 stress support for men by text, chat and email.

Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk

Mental Health Foundation

Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.

Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Mind

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)

Website: www.mind.org.uk

Source: NHS Direct Online.