Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also called ‘winter depression’ or ‘winter blues’ is a type of depression that occurs in the winter, between September and April in the Northern Hemisphere. It is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain due to the shortened hours of daylight and the lack of sunshine during the winter.

The 6th century Goth scholar Jordanes first described it related to the inhabitants of Scandza (Scandinavia). It is estimated that about 20% of all Swedes are affected, and it seems to be hereditary. Most SAD sufferers experience normal mental health throughout most of the year, but experience depressive symptoms in the winter. SAD is rare in the tropics, but is significant at latitudes of 30° and higher. In the U.K. it is estimated that up to 10 % of the population is affected to some extend.

Some signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder include:

• Sleep problems
• Lethargy
• Anxiety
• Mood changes
• Depression
• Overeating, weight gain or eating disorders
• Social problems
• Loss of libido

Like depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a serious, disabling disorder that prevents people from functioning normally. Unlike depression, the SAD symptoms disappear in the Spring or early Summer.

Many people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder will find some relieve from the symptoms by looking at a bright light for between 20 minutes and one hour each day, using a ‘light box’. This, however, has to be repeated each day for up to eight months of the year. An alternative to this time-consuming ritual is to open up the Visual Fields of Awareness, allowing more light to reach the eyes in a natural way, which is a more effective and longer lasting way to ensure improved health. Lightwave Stimulation (LWS) light therapy is an acknowledged method to achieve this.