By Presented by Ian Sample, produced by Joshan Chana and Nonyelum Okonkwo, sound design by Joel Cox, the executive producer was Ellie Bury · Via The Guardian Science · Published by Everything Blog
First formally identified in the 1980s, seasonal affective disorder represents an intense medical condition rather than routine winter blues. In a Guardian podcast, host Ian Sample interviews Oxford University professor Russell Foster to examine recent scientific findings regarding the disorder. Foster details the physiological mechanisms triggering these depressive states alongside practical, evidence-based coping strategies. Dedicated crisis lines remain accessible internationally for affected individuals requiring immediate mental health support.
Key points
Scientific research highlights distinct biological mechanisms that separate seasonal affe…: Scientific research highlights distinct biological mechanisms that separate seasonal affective disorder from typical low moods.
Evidence-based strategies exist to help individuals effectively manage the debilitating s…: Evidence-based strategies exist to help individuals effectively manage the debilitating symptoms brought on by winter.
Immediate crisis assistance is available globally through services such as the Samaritans…: Immediate crisis assistance is available globally through services such as the Samaritans, Lifeline, and the 988 lifeline.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Support the Guardian: theguardian.com/sciencepod
Why we get Sad and what helps – podcast
As the nights draw in, many of us can experience low mood. But for a small proportion of people a more intense depression develops through the winter months. It’s a phenomenon that since the 1980s has been labelled seasonal affective disorder, or Sad, and can be debilitating for sufferers. 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. He explains what scientists think the mechanism for the condition could be and what the evidence says about the best way to tackle it.
In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
Unfavorable conditions at Seddon Park prevented a single ball from being bowled during the third One-Day International between India and New Zealand. Both squads experienced multiple disruptions, including an initial return to their hotels before the toss was even conducted. The eventual abandonment disappointed attending relatives of prominent players as well as spectators who waited through persistent delays.
Federal regulators are mandating updated label warnings across an entire class of diabetes and weight-loss treatments following reports of a rare condition called NAION. This disorder stems from reduced blood flow to the optic nerve and can trigger sudden, permanent blindness. Although an explicit causal link remains unproven, mounting real-world and clinical trial evidence prompted the agency to take proactive safety measures.
Participants gearing up for major year-end competitions like the BYD Singapore International Marathon are being urged to avoid overcompensating after weeks of poor air quality disrupted outdoor schedules. Coaches warn that cramming extra mileage into truncated timelines risks performance issues, as single missed sessions do not significantly diminish overall fitness. Transitioning back outside also requires recalibrating for heat and humidity that indoor sessions could not replicate.