I: ... and that's after the news at 11. But now Health Matters. Today, we're talking to Jenny Hall who suffers from SAD – seasonal affective disorder. Hi, Jenny.
J: Good morning.
I: First, Jenny, what is SAD?
J: SAD is an illness suffered by lots of people in Britain. It's caused by not getting enough bright light in winter. We all know that most people prefer summer to winter, and that the cold weather and long hours of darkness can make people feel unhappy. Well, SAD is an extreme form of this. SAD sufferers become very unhappy and feel tired and lethargic much of the time.
I: And how long have you had SAD?
J: Well, for a long time, but I never knew. I always felt tired and depressed in the winter but I thought this was normal. Then I read something about SAD in a magazine and I understood what my problem was.
I: What did you do when you discovered you had SAD?
J: I went to my doctor. He knew about SAD and he gave me a lot of help and advice.
I: And what can you do to treat SAD?
J: The answer is light – bright light. I have a special box. It's about the same size as a small television. Every day I switch the box on and it gives out a powerful light. I sit in front of the box and my eyes absorb the light. I do this for about half an hour during the winter and that's it – I feel absolutely fine.
I: And that's all you need to do?
J: Well, yes. I'm lucky. Some people don't respond so well to light treatment and need more help, but for most people this is sufficient.
I: And what advice would you give to anyone who might be suffering from SAD?
J: Go and live within 30 degrees of the equator - somewhere hot and sunny. No, seriously, go and see a doctor. Don't think it's normal to feel unhappy in winter – it's not. And when you discover that you don't have to feel like that for half the year, you'll feel wonderful.
I: Thanks very much, Jenny. Next week in Health Matters ...