Understanding
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly starting in the autumn or winter and improving in spring or summer. Symptoms include low mood, lack of energy, oversleeping, weight gain, and loss of interest in usual activities. Less often, SAD can occur in spring or summer and resolve in the colder months.
What does SAD feel like?
SAD can feel like a heavy, persistent sadness or fatigue that makes daily tasks difficult. Many people experience increased sleep, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from social activities. These symptoms usually return each year at the same time.
How to overcome SAD with therapy
Treatment for SAD often includes light therapy (using a special lamp to mimic sunlight), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and sometimes antidepressant medication. Therapy helps you understand and manage symptoms, challenge negative thoughts, and develop coping strategies. Medication such as SSRIs or bupropion may be prescribed, especially for more severe symptoms.
Through SAD counselling, you can:
Learn strategies to manage low mood and energy
Build routines to support wellbeing during difficult seasons
Address negative thinking patterns
Explore lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms
Step-by-step guide
Recognise patterns: Notice changes in mood and energy that follow a seasonal pattern.
Seek professional help: Consult a GP or mental health professional for assessment and treatment options.
Try light therapy: Use a recommended light box daily in the morning during affected months.
Engage in therapy: Participate in CBT to address negative thoughts and behaviours.
Practise self-care: Prioritise sleep, exercise, and social connection, even when motivation is low.
Understanding
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly starting in the autumn or winter and improving in spring or summer. Symptoms include low mood, lack of energy, oversleeping, weight gain, and loss of interest in usual activities. Less often, SAD can occur in spring or summer and resolve in the colder months.
What does SAD feel like?
SAD can feel like a heavy, persistent sadness or fatigue that makes daily tasks difficult. Many people experience increased sleep, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from social activities. These symptoms usually return each year at the same time.
How to overcome SAD with therapy
Treatment for SAD often includes light therapy (using a special lamp to mimic sunlight), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and sometimes antidepressant medication. Therapy helps you understand and manage symptoms, challenge negative thoughts, and develop coping strategies. Medication such as SSRIs or bupropion may be prescribed, especially for more severe symptoms.
Through SAD counselling, you can:
Learn strategies to manage low mood and energy
Build routines to support wellbeing during difficult seasons
Address negative thinking patterns
Explore lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms
Step-by-step guide
Recognise patterns: Notice changes in mood and energy that follow a seasonal pattern.
Seek professional help: Consult a GP or mental health professional for assessment and treatment options.
Try light therapy: Use a recommended light box daily in the morning during affected months.
Engage in therapy: Participate in CBT to address negative thoughts and behaviours.
Practise self-care: Prioritise sleep, exercise, and social connection, even when motivation is low.
Understanding
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly starting in the autumn or winter and improving in spring or summer. Symptoms include low mood, lack of energy, oversleeping, weight gain, and loss of interest in usual activities. Less often, SAD can occur in spring or summer and resolve in the colder months.
What does SAD feel like?
SAD can feel like a heavy, persistent sadness or fatigue that makes daily tasks difficult. Many people experience increased sleep, changes in appetite, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from social activities. These symptoms usually return each year at the same time.
How to overcome SAD with therapy
Treatment for SAD often includes light therapy (using a special lamp to mimic sunlight), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and sometimes antidepressant medication. Therapy helps you understand and manage symptoms, challenge negative thoughts, and develop coping strategies. Medication such as SSRIs or bupropion may be prescribed, especially for more severe symptoms.
Through SAD counselling, you can:
Learn strategies to manage low mood and energy
Build routines to support wellbeing during difficult seasons
Address negative thinking patterns
Explore lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms
Step-by-step guide
Recognise patterns: Notice changes in mood and energy that follow a seasonal pattern.
Seek professional help: Consult a GP or mental health professional for assessment and treatment options.
Try light therapy: Use a recommended light box daily in the morning during affected months.
Engage in therapy: Participate in CBT to address negative thoughts and behaviours.
Practise self-care: Prioritise sleep, exercise, and social connection, even when motivation is low.
Recommended
Recommended Therapists
Therapists
Click here to view all counsellors, therapists and psychotherapists.
Click here to view all counsellors, therapists and psychotherapists.
Jane is a compassionate and experienced person-centred counsellor with over 1,800 sessions delivered and a track record of supporting more than 90 clients. Drawing on her own lived experience and a strong foundation in therapeutic practice, she creates a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore what’s holding them back, gain clarity, and work towards lasting emotional wellbeing.
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£55.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Gordon is a fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor with a dedicated private practice in central Manchester, delivering over 5,000 sessions to individuals and couples. Offering both in-person and online therapy, Gordon provides a calm and reflective space to explore the complexity of human experience. His approach is thoughtful, consistent, and rooted in deep respect for each client’s emotional world and life story.
More
£55.00 per session
£85.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Couples
Jane is a compassionate and experienced person-centred counsellor with over 1,800 sessions delivered and a track record of supporting more than 90 clients. Drawing on her own lived experience and a strong foundation in therapeutic practice, she creates a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore what’s holding them back, gain clarity, and work towards lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
£55.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Gordon is a fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor with a dedicated private practice in central Manchester, delivering over 5,000 sessions to individuals and couples. Offering both in-person and online therapy, Gordon provides a calm and reflective space to explore the complexity of human experience. His approach is thoughtful, consistent, and rooted in deep respect for each client’s emotional world and life story.
More
£55.00 per session
£85.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Couples
Jane is a compassionate and experienced person-centred counsellor with over 1,800 sessions delivered and a track record of supporting more than 90 clients. Drawing on her own lived experience and a strong foundation in therapeutic practice, she creates a warm, collaborative space where clients can explore what’s holding them back, gain clarity, and work towards lasting emotional wellbeing.
More
£55.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Gordon is a fully qualified psychodynamic counsellor with a dedicated private practice in central Manchester, delivering over 5,000 sessions to individuals and couples. Offering both in-person and online therapy, Gordon provides a calm and reflective space to explore the complexity of human experience. His approach is thoughtful, consistent, and rooted in deep respect for each client’s emotional world and life story.
More
£55.00 per session
£85.00 per session
Adults (18+)
Couples