Doctors warn of nine signs you could be suffering from seasonal depression as days get darker

The days are getting darker, with many of us already fed up about leaving for work in the dark and getting home with the sunlight fading.

And with the cold nights drawing in, frost settling overnight and it becoming more of a shock when it doesn't rain, you'd be forgiven for feeling a little down in the dumps.

But rest assured that what you're feeling is totally natural, with seasonal depression a very real thing during the autumn and winter months.

And it's not just a pining for your summer holiday to return or to sit in a beer garden with a crisp pint of lager that's got you feeling like that. There's actual science behind it.

You can seek help for seasonal affective disorder, which is know by the acronym SAD (Getty Stock Image)

What is seasonal depression?

Seasonal depression, which you might also see labelled as 'winter depression', is all too real in the months of September to February when it comes to living in the Northern Hemisphere.

Officially known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, it is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasonal cycle.

SAD flares up existing negative feelings you might have, making them more severe during the darker, colder months. It can also make them appear prominently for the first time.

Bad weather can negatively impact our mood (Getty Stock Image)

How do I know if I have seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Symptoms of SAD vary massively and can show up in very different scenarios and situations, from changes in your eating habits to what you feel like doing in the bedroom.

The NHS lists the following as nine signs you might have seasonal affective disorder:

• A persistent low mood
• A loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
• Irritability
• Feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
• Lacking in energy and feeling sleepy during the day
• Sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
• Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight
• Difficulty concentrating
• A lower sex drive than usual

"For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities," the NHS says.

That isn't a comprehensive list by any means, with other symptoms including feeling like you want to cry and heightened stress levels.

A doctor may recommend you do more exercise if you are suffering (Getty Stock Image)

Can I go to my doctor with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Absolutely. It is a recognised mental health condition.

If you are struggling to cope with SAD and you think you need professional help, by all means seek it.

There are a number of helpful treatments a GP may be able to recommend, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or simply getting more sunlight and vitamin D.

If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.