Light therapy specialist Lumie is getting together with leading experts this winter to launch an online support network for sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) called Blue Monday.

Launching on 16 November 2009, Blue Monday will run every Monday during the winter months and into the New Year. Each week there will be different guest speakers, including in the launch week Dr Norman Rosenthal, who first identified SAD.

Wayne Elliott, Head of Health Forecasting at the Met Office commented, “Weather affects people’s moods on a daily basis. For anyone with an interest in this fascinating area of study, this series of events is a great opportunity to learn more and even take part”.

Those wishing to take part in Blue Monday simply need to register their details on the Lumie website, where you can also see the full programme – www.lumie.com/blue-monday. Questions are invited via the website for the guest speakers.

What is SAD?

Recognised by the World Health Organisation, SAD is a medical condition that affects people between the months of September and October through to March and April.  It is caused by a biochemical imbalance in the brain and stems from the lack of natural light available in winter.

Research has shown that the brain’s chemistry is affected by the amount of light entering the eye, influencing chemicals which control the body’s daily rhythms and mood. Melatonin is a hormone that signals it is night time (i.e. time for sleep). On dark winter mornings and dull grey days, melatonin levels stay too high and as a result people find it a real struggle to get going, some suffering to such an extent they experience symptoms of SAD.

Another contributing factor thought to affect SAD is low serotonin levels (also a common feature in those with depression). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that responds to the levels of light, so when it’s dark, grey and overcast outside, people can be left feeling low.