What really causes it?

Please don't get all scientific on me but...

I usually suffer this illness between September and February, the worst months being Dec-Feb. This year, however, I still seem to be deteriorating despite us now being well into March. Having browsed through the other posts, it would seem I'm not the only one.

So, what actually causes this? I was under the impression it is the hours of daylight, but these are increasing and I am/we are still getting worse if anything. People have said it's the weather, however this doesn't decrease the daylight hours. Could it really be something as simple as cloud cover?! I have outdoor hobbies so the bad weather isn't preventing me from going out into the light...

Hi there,
The reason we are all still feeling low is probably something called "Global Dimming". The whole world is affected by it,pollution etc.etc.
You may be able to look it up on the internet.
Cazjenson

http://www.weblightmeter.com/

The above link takes you to a lightmeter, which is located in Cambridge.
(Scroll to the bottom of the page for what 'lux' refers to)

If you take a look at a full days readings (click on the date for yesterday on the calendar) you'll note that the light level fluctuate through the day and there were only about 5 hours when the light levels were above the min. 2,500lux to treat SAD (requiring 2 hours for effective treatment).

It is not just the quantity of light but the quality that affects the effectiveness of the treatment of SAD.

At this time of year, natural sunlight won't necessarily provide the quality and quantity of light to successfully treat your SAD but it can't hurt to take a walk in the middle of the day and get some extra light.

B1

Thanks for that fascinating link, Bright One. I've bookmarked it. That explains everything, doesn't it? I was in the park yesterday with my visor on (first time I've done that but was on a long walk and didn't want to have to wait til end of therapy session to go) and it was depressingly much brighter than the muddy sky. Don't you just wish you could get into a plane and rise above all the grey horror and find that sparkling sun somewhere up there!

:D Spot on! We've seen a little sun in Leicester this afternoon, have you? I was out in it for just a little while but I feel a bit different, a bit better. Roll on, Equinox.

I was really bad in Sept last year too! Finally it all starts to make sense!