What it is
Getting as much natural light as possible, regular exercise and managing stress can help.
Treatments include talking therapies such as CBT, antidepressants, and light therapy using a special lamp.
Common signs
- A persistent low mood
- Loss of pleasure or interest in everyday activities
- Feeling irritable
- Feeling lethargic and sleepy during the day
- Sleeping longer and finding it hard to get up
- Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
How it is usually diagnosed
- Talking with a GP about mood, lifestyle, diet and sleep, and how they change with the seasons
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- GP notes
- Therapy plans
- Medicine lists
- A mood diary
Questions to ask your doctor
- Would light therapy help me?
- Should I start treatment before winter?
- Which talking therapies are available?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Thoughts of harming yourself: get urgent help, call 112 if in danger
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.