Monty Don's health battle affecting 1 in 20 Brits as expert shares best ways to help

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as winter depression, affects two million people in the UK, including Gardeners' World presenter Monty Don, who uses a lightbox to help boost his mood

A mental health expert has shared five lifestyle changes that could help manage symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), as the UK heads into the colder, darker months. SAD, also known as winter depression, affects two million people in the UK, including Gardeners' World star Monty Don.

Symptoms can include a persistent low mood, loss of pleasure or interest in everyday activities, irritability, feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness, and a decreased sex drive. According to the NHS, these symptoms can be severe and significantly impact daily activities in some cases.

Women are reportedly more likely than men to struggle with low self-confidence and avoid social situations when the weather worsens. If you're experiencing these symptoms, an expert suggests positive self-talk, reducing social media use, celebrating small victories, meditation, and saying yes to activities as factors that can help.

Author and women's mental health specialist Olivia Roberts says "speaking to yourself with kindness has been shown to have many benefits", including improved wellbeing and work performance. Additionally, spending less time comparing your life to others on social media can also help.

Furthermore, the author encourages celebrating "little wins for the things you made happen", according to The Mirror's Notebook Magazine.

"Whether it's a big award at work, cooking from scratch, passing an exam, cleaning the oven, running a mike, having a baby or something completely different, small or big, we should always give ourselves a pat on the back," she expressed. The mental health expert also advocates stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new opportunities as a path to future happiness.

Additionally, she recommends meditation as a beneficial method for everyone, especially those seeking a distraction from the world. "Taking the time to centre your thoughts and focus on your breath can help you tune into negative self-talk and turn it around," she added, reports Surrey Live.

This technique, even if practised for just five minutes, can aid in achieving calmness, reducing overthinking and building emotional resilience. Renowned gardener Monty, 69, is no stranger to depression, which once became so severe that his long-term wife Sarah threatened to leave him unless he sought help.

He was subsequently prescribed anti-depressants, but later came off of them in favour of a light box, which aids in transitioning between seasons. Monty also attributes gardening as a significant mood enhancer, along with spending quality time with his family and dogs.