Dr Pam Spurr

Don’t Be a ‘SAD’ Single! Advice for seasonal affective disorder when dating...

My latest column for Wingman Dating App...

Approximately 3 million people in the UK experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Also, there are about 29,000,000 singles in the UK. If we think in terms of a Venn diagram there will definitely be overlap with singles who also experience SAD.

One piece of research found that single people reported more serious symptoms of SAD. As a sufferer myself, I’m not surprised. I know how much the cuddles and support from my other half, as well as interacting with other family and friends, means to me during the autumn.

People experience SAD differently. Some people have it during the autumn as I do. Others tend to get it in the winter. And some suffer over both seasons!

As it affects your mood – and you want to put your best foot forward on dates – please consider the many possible symptoms associated with SAD.

Please also remember to check with your doctor if your autumn/winter ‘blues’ could be a more profound depression.

Here are symptoms to look out for:

*The blues – feelings of sadness that are inexplicable because nothing has happened like, say, a divorce or bereavement.

*Many say they feel anxious, too.

*You're likely to have sleep disturbance, being restless at night. Then it’s hard to drag yourself out of bed, and you feel sloth-like during the day.

*You may experience appetite changes with cravings for comfort foods or for sweets.

*Other unpleasant symptoms include listlessness and lacking interest in things you normally enjoy.

*Memory and concentration might suffer and you find yourself re-reading articles, pages in a book, or losing the thread of a TV programme.

*Unfortunately, SAD tends to lower your immune response, too, and you catch every virus going.

Here are helpful tips:

*Use daily ‘light therapy’. Purchase a light box online or at a high-street chemist - some health authorities rent them out. For the best results light boxes must produce 10,000 lux as it’s called. Mine’s on my desk for use first thing in the morning for an hour or two.

*Devise a good sleep regime. Rather than using alcohol to help you sleep use a night-time herbal tea. Switch off technology at least 90 minutes before bedtime and resist napping during the day. Try a sunrise-mimicking alarm clock that gradually wakes you up.

*Watch what you eat and resist cravings. Keep nourished with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables plus eat regular meals including mood-boosting foods like turkey and oily fish. Begin your day with mood-boosting porridge.

*Take regular exercise, preferably something that lifts your mood like a dance or gym class. Get out for a daily walk when the sun comes out for some natural sunlight. Let your manager/colleagues know that you need to take advantage of sunlight.

*Avoid extra stress. Know your limits and learn how to say ‘No’ to excess responsibilities.

*Most important of all don't isolate yourself. Let loved ones know when your SAD sets in and that you're putting in place an anti-SAD regime. Welcome any support and encouragement they can give you.

*Definitely keep up your search for dates - and love - if that’s what you’re looking for. But don’t go over the top, stick to one dating app like Wingman, of course. Don’t put pressure on yourself to rush out and meet people, take it slowly if there is someone you find attractive.

Good luck and happy dating, Pam x

If there are any little ones in your life, Dr Pam’s first children’s story book is out now: http://tinyurl.com/36y3xr6n