The autumn blues are here. Here's how to get through, according to medical experts

A change in season affects people in varied ways; some get migraines when there’s a drop in barometric pressure while others suffer from what is known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Most people who suffer from this tend to experience it typically in the winter, although summer, spring and autumn can bring it on as well.

What makes you get SAD?

Autumn blues often present as fatigue, stress, mood swings and irritability which can last between one and two weeks, according to foodspring.co.uk. The condition can also cause weight gain, uncontrollable cravings, altered appetite and digestive problems.

It is unclear what causes the cheerlessness that characterizes this condition, but a popular theory suggests the lack of light and cold weather could be responsible. Answering a reader’s question on why they feel gloomy around autumn, Dr Martin Scurr, a GP who also writes for DailyMail said:

It could also be related to levels of melatonin, the hormone that’s released in response to daylight.While we don’t understand the exact link, we know people with SAD tend to have higher levels of melatonin, which may make them feel sleepy and unmotivated.

Cheer up

Around this time also, school resumes and most companies are trying to finalize projects and numbers as the year comes to an end, increasing stress levels among many people. Although these don’t have much to do with the weather, they also contribute to making you get SAD. But there are things you could do to get through these feelings.

Dr Scurr suggests using light therapy boxes which generate artificial ‘natural’ levels of light. You should try to sit in front of it for 30-60 minutes each morning, ideally starting now as summer fades.

He explains that the aim is to improve the disorder by reducing melatonin production and increasing serotonin.

Other tips include:

• Maintaining regular sleep schedule
• Taking cold showers to boost energy
• Regular exercise
• Antidepressants and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might help too

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