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Privacy NoticeAs those battling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), colloquially known as ‘winter depression’, seek ways to lift their spirits during the gloomy days, a medical expert steps in with some valuable tips. SAD sufferers typically experience a dip in mood and feel the urge to sleep more when the days shorten and temperatures drop. Green-fingered celeb Monty Don, 69, has been candid about his difficult bouts of severe depression, with an instance where it nearly cost him his family life becoming public via The Mirror. Opening up on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast last year, Monty revealed his struggle with SAD, admitting: “I was long ago diagnosed with SAD there’s no question about it, that November and December are always the worst time for me I can’t bear them.” He opened up about the impact of the UKs dreary winters on his mental health, saying, “It’s a lot to do with the greyness, the lack of light and the general sense of the world just pressing in on you and no energy.”
Monty Don suffers from SAD
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Recalling the ultimatum he faced, Monty shared with listeners: “Sarah said to me, ‘Look, I just can’t take any longer your moods and your black depression, you’ve got to do something about it because if you don’t, I can’t live with you I’ll take the children and I’ll go’.”, reports Yorkshire Live. After receiving advice from a healthcare professional, Monty began taking anti-depressants. He eventually weaned off the medication and started using a light box to manage seasonal changes. Monty credits his upbeat mood to gardening, as well as quality time with his family and dogs. As the days become shorter and chillier, Dr Dawn Harper emphasises the need for as much daylight exposure as possible.
Monty Don at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
(Image: Getty Images)
She also advocates regular exercise and Vitamin D supplements to keep motivation high during the winter months. For those needing an extra boost, Dr Harper suggests Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to increase serotonin levels. However, she cautions that these can take several weeks to start working, so it’s best to consult your doctor sooner rather than later. “Bear in mind that we typically ask you to use them for six months, so you’ll need to continue taking them until Spring arrives”, she added. If stepping outside isn’t feasible, Dr Harper recommends sitting in front of a lamp for 30 to 60 minutes each morning. “These have been shown to help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and improve mood and energy levels,” she told Platinum Magazine. “For the best results, they should be used daily from autumn through spring.” While it’s crucial to keep your peepers open to reap the benefits, don’t stare directly into the lamp. Instead, many of her patients simply sit in front of the lamp while munching on their brekkie or engrossed in a good book, the doc advises.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHealthGardening
