As 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." 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.
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