SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, happens when the days get shorter and when we have the least amount of available sunlight, says a WeathWatch spokesperson.

Today, Thursday June 22 is the shortest day of 2023.

The shorter days with decreased sunlight, the longer nights, the cooler weather - it can all add up to some of us feeling down.

If you're feeling a lack of energy, a struggle to wake up, the general feeling of flat and down coming and going across the day, then it's possible you may be suffering from SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder.

SAD is quite normal to experience when our nights get longer and the days shorter, like right now in the middle of winter.

For most of us, experiencing SAD is only mild and we cope with it just fine. But for others the gloom of darker days can really affect you mentally in crippling ways, especially if it makes other issues you may be dealing with feel even heavier and darker.

SAD can be a serious issue for some people, even here in New Zealand which isn't typically impacted by SAD compared to other nations. Some nations in the Northern Hemisphere and Arctic Circle have little to no sunlight in their winter months.

Like depression, SAD can affect how you feel and behave for days, weeks or even months. But you can do easy things to help yourself feel better.

You should not ignore SAD, as it can be effectively treated. Click here to read more from the Mental Health Foundation on dealing with and understanding SAD.

Light therapy - therapy you can do at home using lights:

For most of us, turning on extra lights can make a really big difference. It's called Light Therapy. The few extra cents or dollars it may cost may be some of the cheapest and most effective therapy you can get for this – especially these days with low cost, low energy lightbulbs.

Put lights on during the day if it's feeling gloomy – the room you're in, the room you frequently walk in -like a hallway. If it really does help lift your mood it may then not be considered ‘a waste of power'.

Also, get some fresh air and sunlight too. But it's easier said than done sometimes though! But getting outside for even just 10 minutes in the wind or fresh air - it can help lift your mood.

For further support please click the links below, and remember – you're not alone.

• www.Depression.org.nz
• www.depression.org.nz/rural
• More about SAD via Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

WeatherWatch.co.nz