WITH Canberra waking up to snow on the mountains at the weekend and more cool temperatures forecast, a University of Canberra psychologist warns now is the time seasonal mental health problems can strike.

Assistant professor in psychology Dr Vivienne Lewis says seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs with the change in seasons, particularly winter.

“SAD is triggered by a change in the weather and amount of light. In winter, days are shorter, colder and darker. People can lack energy, motivation, have difficulties concentrating, eat more, have poor sleep, feel agitated and irritable,” Vivienne explains.

“Our body responds with a drop in mood and energy levels. People feel sad, hence the acronym.”

Also known as winter depression or the winter blues, she says the condition is four times more likely to affect women than men, and is most common in young adults.

She has the following tips to avoid the condition as the gloomy weather sets in:

• try and get as much light as possible
• exercise to get the endorphins going
• be social – being around others raises our mood
• eat well and drink plenty of water
• drink alcohol in moderation
• and if possible, go somewhere warm and light for a holiday to help get you through the winter months

“I’d also urge anyone that thinks they may be affected by SAD to see their GP who can refer them to a psychologist who can help,” she said.