Let’s Talk About Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Because even the sun takes a break sometimes (or often if you live in the UK).

As the days get shorter and the mornings get darker, it’s not just the weather that changes; our mood can too.  If you’ve ever felt more tired, low, or unmotivated as winter sets in, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. You are not broken, you are just human.

It’s a lot more than just feeling sad and not always possible to ‘pull yourself together’, as some might say. It might be Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka SAD, and it’s more common than you might think.

What Exactly Is SAD?

Think of SAD as your internal battery running low because the charger (sunlight) isn’t showing up for work. Less sunlight means your brain starts producing more melatonin (the sleepy stuff) and less serotonin (the happy stuff). Add in a confused body clock and suddenly, mornings can feel like wading through wet cement.

SAD is a form of depression that usually presents itself during the autumn and winter

months when there’s less sunlight.

Common signs may include:

• Feeling low or tearful

• Sleeping more but not feeling rested

• Craving carbs and comfort foods

• Avoiding people and social events

• Struggling to concentrate or feel motivated

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Around 1 in 15 people in the UK experience SAD each year, and many more get milder 'winter dips'/'winter blues.'

Why Does It Happen?

It mostly comes down to reduced sunlight. When there’s less daylight, your body produces more melatonin (which makes you sleepy) and less serotonin (which boosts your mood). Your body’s natural body clock (circadian rhythm) gets confused about what time it is, and your mood ends up feeling the effects of it.

The circadian rhythm orchestrates the daily patterns of sleep, wakefulness, metabolism, and hormone production throughout your body, which is why SAD can have an impact on many different areas of your well-being.

Personally, this is something I experience too! Let’s face it, a warm summer morning is a lot more inviting than the latter! I love nothing more than a morning walk down the beach or a morning run, but do I do this as often in winter? Absolutely not! I know I feel better for moving my body, but it takes so much more motivation! I even convince myself that my dog doesn’t like the cold either.

What Can Help?

If you joined our recent ‘Winter Blues Survival Guide’ workshop, you’ll know it’s all about small, doable shifts, not massive reinventions.

Here’s your winter survival cheat sheet:

• Soak up the daylight - Try to get outside for a walk, even if it’s cloudy. Natural light still makes a difference.

• Use a lightbox - These mimic natural sunlight and can help your body clock reset.

• Keep a routine - Regular sleep, meals and movement can help you feel more balanced.

• Move your body - Exercise boosts endorphins and energy (and yes, kitchen dancing totally counts).

• Stay connected - Chatting with a friend, family, or peer mentor can make a

  world of difference. Call, message, Zoom, or chat on Maambo. Talking really does change everything.

• Be kind to yourself - Some days might be harder than others. Rest. Recharge. You’re allowed to slow down.

How Maambo Can Help?

Let’s get real, sometimes you don’t want advice. You just want to talk to someone who gets it, who's been there.

That’s where Maambo shines. Our maambo mentors aren’t therapists with clipboards; they are real people who have walked through their own storms and made it out stronger.

They are here to hold space, listen, chat and remind you:

You are not alone, even on the darkest days.

Because sometimes healing doesn’t start with fixing yourself, it starts with talking to someone who understands.

And remember, winter might feel long, but it doesn’t last forever. This is a temporary

feeling. The lighter days will return, and so will your energy and motivation. In the

meantime, take care of yourself, be gentle, and reach out when you need to - Maambo's peer mentors are here for you.

Need a Real Chat This Winter?

Whether you want to vent, laugh, or just have a friendly chat about how you're really doing, at Maambo, there is always someone ready to listen.

Don’t face it alone. Book a one-to-one with a Maambo peer mentor today.

No judgment. Just real people, real stories, and real connections.

☕ Now grab a warm drink and book a session with me or any of our other trusted mentors.

Poppy, Maambo Mentor