Seasonal affective disorder what is it?

Today I want to talk about Seasonal affective disorder. I know what you are thinking it's summer this is not relevant, Have you lost your mind?

No, I have not. I used to suffer from this in the summertime as well as winter. I worked the night shift and could go days without seeing the sun as I slept through the day time hours. 

What is S.A.D? It is a depressive illness which has the following symptoms 

Symptoms of SAD can include:

• a persistent low mood
• craving carbs and gaining weight
• feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
• a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
• irritability
• feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
• sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning

I really struggled. All over social media was people enjoying summer and I was in a constant state of winter and dark. I am not the only person in the UK who suffers from S.A.D in the summer. 

I contacted my GP. I was worried I wouldn't be taken seriously as it seemed crazy to me to have this in summer. I was fully supported and received Help and guidance. Never be afraid to ask for help. None is perfect and I am to the outside world a very bubbly and happy person but no one really knows my turmoil. I was prescribed anti-depressants. 

I found getting my routine right also helped. Eating and drinking had to be more routine and not if and when I felt the need to eat as I was doing. Your body is a machine it needs fuel to run. 

My days off I tried to get as much natural daylight and vitamin d as I could spending time outside really helped and I changed my night time routine to go to bed later to try and minimise the damage to my routine. 

I am not embarrassed to ask for help and I think this is the main point of this post. If you are struggling with any kind of mental health. Please ask for help. You are not alone.