![\"SAD\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_GettyImages-2224657308.jpg\")
The NHS urged people to be wary of the signs of a disorder that can be “severe” in the winter(Image: Getty)<\/p>\nYou may not realise that how you’re feeling is linked to the seasons<\/p>\n
13:18, 01 Dec 2025Updated 14:00, 01 Dec 2025<\/p>\n
The NHS urged people to be wary of the signs of a disorder that can be “severe” in the winter(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
The NHS has urged people to be aware of the symptoms of a winter condition. According to the health body, signs of this disorder are often more \u201csevere\u201d at this time of year.<\/p>\n
In an update posted to social media platform X, the NHS<\/a> drew attention to seasonal affective disorder. It explained: \u201cFor some people, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cKnow the symptoms of SAD and treatment options available.\u201d SAD is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.<\/p>\n On its website, the NHS explains that SAD is sometimes known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are usually \u201cmore apparent and more severe\u201d during the winter.<\/p>\n Therefore, some people with SAD may have symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter.<\/p>\n Content cannot be displayed without consentSymptoms<\/p>\n Symptoms of SAD can include:<\/p>\n A persistent low moodA loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activitiesIrritabilityFeelings of despair, guilt and worthlessnessFeeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the daySleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morningCraving carbohydrates and gaining weightDifficulty concentratingDecreased sex drive<\/p>\n The NHS says: \u201cFor some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.\u201d<\/p>\n Experts at the NHS say you should consider seeing the GP if you think you might have SAD and you’re \u201cstruggling to cope\u201d. It said: \u201cThe GP can carry out an assessment to check your mental health.<\/p>\n \u201cThey may ask you about your mood, lifestyle, eating habits and sleeping patterns, plus any seasonal changes in your thoughts and behaviour.\u201d<\/p>\n Although the exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, it’s often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days. The NHS notes that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may affect the:<\/p>\n Production of melatonin \u2013 a hormone that makes you feel sleepyProduction of serotonin \u2013 a hormone that affects your mood, appetite and sleepBody’s internal clock (circadian rhythm)<\/p>\n The NHS added: \u201cIt’s also possible that some people are more vulnerable to SAD as a result of their genes, as some cases appear to run in families.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Sleepy\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2_GettyImages-1885436370.jpg\")
One of the signs include feeling lethargic and sleepy during the day(Image: Getty)When to seek help<\/p>\n![\"SAD\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1_GettyImages-2154576214-1.jpg\")
The NHS urged people to be wary of the signs of a disorder that can be “severe” in the winter(Image: Getty)Causes of SAD<\/p>\n