Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern. It is characterised by episodes of depression that recur at the same time each year.
SAD also known as ‘winter depression’ because the symptoms are more apparent during the winter.
As with other kinds of depression, two of the main symptoms of SAD are a low mood and a loss of interest in ordinary things. Other symptoms of SAD include:
•being less active •putting on weight •sleeping more
SAD sometimes affects people in the summer, although this is rare.
The symptoms of SAD often start as the days begin to get shorter in the autumn. They are worst during December, January, and February. For most people with SAD, the symptoms start to improve by spring time, then disappear.
Outlook
Like any type of depression, SAD can be a difficult condition to live with. Symptoms can make you feel tired, stressed and unhappy. However, a number of treatments and medications are available, including:
•light therapy: treatment with bright light
•talking therapies: such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
•antidepressants: medication to treat depression
Over recent months the MCE business development manager Michael Cook has been finalising further marketing material for MCE. The idea and knowledge of a chaplaincy service in the UK is perhaps not as well known as in the USA. Our aim is to provide a service to any business that encompasses the need to support their staff. Being in a multi cultural and religious society in the UK, in some instances the term ‘Chaplain’ can be an obstacle in the development of business relationships. Over recent years, the government and various notable research organisations, reporting on staff in the workplace are recommending emphasis is placed on the wellness of staff. This additional material highlights the greater need for participation in a programme such as ours. Although MCE continues very much as it always has, 2010 has brought around a significant change in the way the company presents itself to the business world.
According to figures released by the Scottish government, ill-health costs the British economy 100 billion pounds a year in lost productivity, lost tax and increased health and welfare costs.


