SAD misery of motivational coach

A study suggests that the north east of Scotland has a higher prevalence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) than anywhere else in the UK.

Anne Jackson, a mother-of-one from Aberdeen, talks about the effect of the condition on her life.

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I've knowingly had SAD for about five years. But it's a condition I've lived with for most of my life, I just didn't know what it was.

Anne Jackson says light therapy has turned her life around

I thought I was just one of those people who felt utterly miserable at times and that I'd just have to live with it.

One day I read an article about SAD and was stunned. Everything in it related to my own symptoms; feeling unable to communicate, really low and lethargic.

It was a huge relief to finally know what it was.

I know some doctors are sceptical about the condition but my GP was very helpful and open-minded. I have been using light therapy boxes, combined with anti-depressants, since I was diagnosed.

I wouldn't be able to function properly without my light box now. I can feel myself being recharged when I sit in front of it.

If I don't use the box I feel like a battery losing its charge and becoming completely flat.

I work from home as a self-employed motivational coach and before I was diagnosed I could never work during the winter.

'Friends upset'

There was just no way, as a motivational speaker, that I could work. I'm supposed to be upbeat, clear and focused but I couldn't even communicate with people. I wouldn't want to see anyone, I couldn't even answer the phone.

My son was young at the time and I did my best to hide my desolation from him.

Initially my friends were upset that I would make arrangements then bail out at the last moment. But over a period of time they got used to my just not turning up. I couldn't face people socially at all.

There is a 'get on with it' culture in the UK and that makes people reticent about admitting they feel down

The weather in Aberdeen in perfect for SAD; it's usually dark, rainy with really low cloud cover.

On a days like that, my light box will be on all day. It has turned my life around. Thoughts of emigrating are still attractive, but not as urgent.

The north east has one of the highest prevalence rates of SAD but I think it goes largely unrecognised and undiagnosed.

There is a 'get on with it' culture in the UK and that makes people reticent about admitting they feel down, much of it swept under the carpet.

I think a lot of sufferers think much the same as I did, they know how they're feeling, they know about SAD but just don't relate it to themselves.