| What is SAD?
SAD stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Many people find that they are low in energy and mood in the winter; they may sleep and eat slightly more and dislike the dark mornings. For some, the symptoms are more severe and enough to disrupt their lives and cause considerable stress. These people have SAD and research indicates that it affects about half a million people in Britain. Around five million have milder symptoms, in varying degrees, and this is known as the Winter Blues. What can you do to help prevent SAD?  Look after yourself
Although some mental illnesses may be genetically predetermined, or otherwise unavoidable, there are ways to keep the blues at bay and make sure your mind and body stay healthy and happy.  Eat well and keep fit
Regular, healthy meals and moderate exercise can make a significant difference to your moods. You'll feel more energetic and able to look after yourself. There's also the added benefit of looking fit and toned, which is a confidence booster.
Learn how to handle stress
Don't be afraid of challenges, overcoming them will help to increase your self-confidence. Stress management is not all about being passive, or lying down in a darkened room with a wet flannel on your forehead! Learn some active techniques to help you relax, rather than sitting in front of the telly, or getting drunk.
 Stay out of the downward spiral
Be honest about your feelings, but don't go on and on about feeling bad all the time to anyone who'll listen, it will make you feel worse. Avoid sitting around and doing nothing for days on end, especially if you're feeling a bit down, keep busy or do something deliberate to relax yourself. Keep your brain active
Take an interest in what's going on in the world, or at least one area of it. Be enthusiastic about life and never stop learning. Don't worry, be silly
Learn how to ignore the unimportant things that may niggle you, and break large unpleasant tasks down into smaller, manageable chunks. Keep a sense of humour at all times, and try to see the funny side of most situations.
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