Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD as many call it, is also known as winter depression, writes Dr Manpinder Singh Sahota, of Pelham Medical Practice, Gravesend.

This might be felt as lacking in energy, reduced enjoyment in activities, need for more sleep and carbohydrate (bread, pasta, potatoes, rice) cravings.

Typical depression is associated with poor sleep and poor appetite.

Around 6% of the UK population suffer from severe depression due to SAD and are unable to work or function normally.

Around 10-15% suffer with less severe version of SAD where they struggle through autumn and winter.

I think many more of us can relate to this and I will be suggesting tips in how we can get through winter and autumn. Some 80% of SAD sufferers are women and most people suffer with SAD from the age of 27.

I started suffering from winter blues about five years ago where as soon as the days became shorter and darker my mood would drop and it would be a struggle to get through the day.

As a GP this was not good, so I ended up buying a SAD lamp for my consultation room.

From the very first moment I switched the light on my mood started to lift.

Generally, most of my patients respond to using a SAD lamp but some I have also suggested St Johns Wort (be aware of drug interactions by speaking to your local pharmacist) a natural herbal mild antidepressant which is commonly used in Germany.

Other ways to lift your mood during the winter include, going outdoors to get natural daylight exposure, exercising outside if you can or going for nature walks, avoiding excessive exposure to light from TV, computers, and phones, and focusing on eating a Mediterranean type diet.

If your mood is still very low despite following the above, then you made an anti-depressant from your GP.

For more, click here.