We're hearing how seasonal depression can affect people across Lincolnshire and Newark
It can start to affect people now the clocks have gone back
People across Lincolnshire and Newark are being urged to be aware of the signs of seasonal depression. It's after the clocks have gone back.
Seasonal affective disorder is a diagnosable form of depression set off by a change in seasons.
Many of us, even those without a mental health condition could also find the darker winter months harder on our wellbeing.
Jack Moore from North East Lincolnshire Mind says it can affect people's coping mechanisms:
"Those people who really like going outdoors in order to improve their mental health - the darkening of the nights and the cold weather can prevent people from doing that.
"It can affect anybody, not just those with diagnosable mental health problems.
"It can affect us all in some way whether you have a history of poor mental health, or you've never experienced poor mental health before.
"It's when it starts to impact our day to day lives and how we are feeling that it's really important that we have that open communication and talk to each other."
The NHS says symptoms of SAD 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
decreased sex drive
For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.