Here come the winter blues

It’s come to that time of year. The weather turns bad, the nights draw in earlier and the busy times roll on until Christmas. Although this time of year can make anyone feel a bit blue, it’s important for managers to recognise the difference between employees being a bit ‘grumpy’ and someone suffering with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

Those affected by SAD will not only be feeling unhappier than usual, but they are also likely to suffer from exhaustion and feelings of anxiousness or even depression. Surprisingly, it’s not as rare as you might think.

SADA, the Seasonal Affective Disorder Association which is a support organisation for those affected, have said that approx. 20% of the UK suffer with the milder form on SAD named Sub-syndromal SAD, more commonly referred to as the ‘winter blues’. For 2% of the population SAD is a seriously disabling illness, which can affect the day-to-day functioning of some people. The symptoms of winter blues are complex and can vary per case but SAD can have longer term effects if suffering continues for the entire length of the winter blues season – running from around September until April.

A diagnosis can be made if the symptoms continue for 3 consecutive winters (to allow for distinction between depression and SAD) and after that prevention doesn’t have to be difficult.

The most effective treatment is the Light Therapy. Sufferers use a light box which emits up to 10,000 LUX for 30 to 60 minutes a day. As you can continue other activities at the same time, it is of no bother and can be used anywhere – including in the office. The light therapy alone may not be effective for all so see SADA’s list of other methods of treatment, too.

Unfortunately, light boxes are not available on the NHS but they are exempt from VAT if bought for medical purposes. Their use can lift moods within three to four days so as an employer, you have much to gain from providing light boxes at work to achieve a happier workforce – even if no one has yet been diagnosed with SAD.

For information on how you can keep on track with how your employees are doing and to pick up on early symptoms of winter blues with the help of an absence tracking software, see our website.