Science

What happens to your brain when the days get darker? - video

He explains what scientists think the mechanism for the condition could be and what the evidence says about the best way to tackle it.

✦ Extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting•From 1 source•1 min read•Updated November 10, 2026, 12:23 PM UTC
Key points
  • In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
  • But for a small proportion of people a more intense depression develops through the winter months.
  • Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org Continue reading...

To find out more about the latest scientific understanding of Sad, Ian Sample speaks to Russell Foster, professor of circadian neuroscience at the University of Oxford.

It’s a phenomenon that since the 1980s has been labelled seasonal affective disorder, or Sad, and can be debilitating for sufferers.

Additional details
  • In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123.
  • As the nights draw in, many of us can experience low mood.

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