Ep 71. Mental Health Podcast: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

As we head through Autumn and into Winter, many of us feel the impact of the shorter days, lack of sunlight, and bad weather, not just in our routines, but in our moods and energy.

In this first episode of this Mental Health series, our colleagues from South Lincolnshire Rural Primary Care Network, Kavya, Melissa, and Leah, shine a light on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

What is SAD, why does it happen, and how we can support ourselves and each other through the darker months.

The trio explore the power of community support and self-care strategies that make a real difference, drawing on the evidence-based Five Ways to Wellbeing:

• Connect - Reaching out to friends, family, or local groups to feel less alone.
• Be active - Keeping your body moving to lift your mood, even if it’s simply getting off the sofa and going up and down the stairs.
• Take notice - Finding moments of calm and awareness in nature, art, or your everyday surroundings.
• Keep learning - Trying something new to spark curiosity and confidence.
• Give - Small acts of kindness or volunteering that help others and boost your own wellbeing too.

And for the Our Shared Agreement supporters out there, a key theme throughout the podcast is 'making the most of what we have available to us' (Our Shared Agreement's Foundation 5).

Whether you live with SAD or just struggle through winter’s gloom, this episode offers warmth, practical ideas, and gentle encouragement.

And remember, you’re not alone - and there’s more support around you than you might think. Let’s get through this, together!