Almost 1 in 10 Scots have Seasonal Affective Disorder, researchers say

With the clocks going back on Sunday, researchers reckon almost 1 in 10 people, particularly those in the west of Scotland, could start to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Researchers at the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are now releasing a range of educational resources to help people who suffer from low mood during the winter months.

The study drew on the experiences of people living with Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, in a bid to help others deal with their winter depression.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

According to NHS Inform, SAD is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern.

The episodes of depression tend to occur at the same time each year, usually during the winter.

As with other types of depression, two of the main symptoms of SAD are a low mood and a lack of interest in life.

Is it thought that more than a million adults in the UK live with emotional challenges and lowered mood when access to natural light is limited.

What support is available?

The resources created from the study include a new online education course developed with cognitive behavioural therapy experts to help people recognise and tackle their SAD symptom.

Similarly, scientists teamed up with an artist to create a book, guiding readers on adopting new creative practices and finding community support during the shorter, darker, wetter months.

A new web-based toolkit will offer guidance on how people can set up support groups in their own communities for people affected by SAD.

The materials are one of the outcomes from a research project called ‘Living with SAD’ which aims to start a new national conversation on the condition, which can have serious impacts on the mental and physical health of those who experience it.

'Wintering Well'

Professor Hester Parr of the University of Glasgow said: “The Wintering Well workshops showed that people who live with SAD can deal better with their symptoms by being part of a community where they can meet regularly outdoors.

“The feedback from participants clearly demonstrates that they felt better after taking part, and that they developed valuable new methods and practices to help them manage their mood during winter.

“What we want to do with these resources is give people around the country new tools which will help them deal with the challenges of SAD, and when setting up their own local Wintering Well groups to connect and offer support.”

'Serious impacts on mental health'

Professor Hayden Lorimer from the University of Edinburgh said: “Reduced access to natural light during the winter months can have serious impacts on people’s mental health, particularly in Scotland where days can be shorter than elsewhere in the UK.

“Part of the Living with SAD project is focused on exploring the impacts of limited natural light.

"It could be a problem that we will face more in the future as our planet warms and the boundaries of the seasons become less clear.

"We’re already seeing side-effects of climate change which affect access to light. Smoke from wildfires and pollution haze have the effect of filtering or blocking out sunlight.”

The Wintering Well: Living with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) event will take place at the University of Glasgow this week.

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