Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression which is often not diagnosed in many who suffer from it. It is most commonly experienced in the winter months but in rare cases it may also affect individuals in the summer.

The exact cause of SAD is unknown but it appears it may be related to a decrease in the amount of sunlight an individual is exposed to in the winter months.

SAD typically presents as a depression which develops slowly over the autumn months and can last through the winter months.

The symptoms include:

• Increased appetite with weight gain (weight loss is more common with other forms of depression)
• Increased sleep and daytime sleepiness (too little sleep is more common with other forms of depression)
• Less energy and ability to concentrate in the afternoon
• Loss of interest in work or other activities
• Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement
• Social withdrawal
• Unhappiness and irritability

Massage can be a great complementary therapy to help clients affected by SAD. The beneficial effects of massage that help to alleviate the SAD’s symptoms include:

• the release of endorphins that can cause a euphoric sensation in the body combatting the feelings of depression
• it helps to lower blood pressure and improves circulation giving the client a sense of well being
• helps detoxify the tissue so the client feels more energetic

If you have any questions about SAD please contact me at