Depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
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Depression
We all have times when we feel sad, but usually, these feelings go away. If they stick around, happen often, or interfere with your daily life, it might mean you have depression.
Depression is common, affecting about 1 in 10 people, and anyone can experience it at any age.
It is important to know that you cannot just will yourself to feel better or "snap out of it", you need treatment.
Depression can take away your energy, hope, and motivation, making it hard to do things that could help you feel good again. Sometimes, even thinking about activities like exercising or being with friends can feel too tiring or impossible to do.
When you are feeling depressed there are ways to cope that can help you manage your depression and start to feel better.
Tips and advice
- Stay in touch with people
- Be more active
- Do not avoid things you find difficult
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol
- Try to eat a healthy diet
- Have a routine
- Seek help for your feelings
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.
SAD is sometimes known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. Some people with SAD may have symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter.
A range of treatments are available for SAD, including:
- lifestyle measures
- light therapy
- talking therapies
- medication
Page last updated: 1 December 2025