Thousands of stroke victims have similar relationships

Also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, the condition is a type of depression where the patient’s emotions come and go in a seasonal pattern.

Also referred to as ‘winter depression’ it is named so as the symptoms are often worse in the winter, when the short days, long nights, and often torrid weather make the condition worse.

The main symptoms of SAD are:
• A persistent low mood
• A loss of pleasure or interest in normal activities
• Irritability
• Feelings of despair
• Feeling lethargic and sleepy during the day
• Sleeping for longer than normal
• Finding it hard to get up in the morning
• Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
• Difficulty concentrating
• Reduced sex drive.

While these symptoms may seem innocuous on their own, the NHS say: “For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.”

READ MORE: 43% of stroke patients report the same symptoms 1 week before