Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects over a million people in the UK, with symptoms worsening during the darker winter months. Rachel Dineem-Mabe, a branch librarian, experiences SAD and finds it difficult to carry out daily tasks during this time. A new scheme in Wales allows people to borrow SAD lamps from libraries to help manage their symptoms.
Rachel, who uses SAD lamps, finds them helpful in boosting her mood. She recommends getting outside and talking about mental health as ways to cope with SAD. Lorna Beatrice Lombardini, a student, also uses lamps and finds them beneficial for her mood.
The SAD lamp loan scheme is available in 11 Welsh councils and is part of a wider expansion across the UK. The boxes include a booklet, an online course, and a lamp, and are free to use from local libraries.
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