BBC Monty Don's 'worst time' caused by health problem explained

Monty Don, the host of Gardeners' World, suffers from a lesser-known disorder that becomes more pronounced during the colder months. The 69-year-old has previously described the health issue, which intensifies in November and December, as feeling like 'the world [is] just pressing in on you', while also completely lacking energy.

Speaking on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast last year, he revealed: "I was long ago diagnosed with SAD – there's no question about it, that November and December are always the worst time for me – I can't bear them," according to the Express.

He then added: "It's a lot to do with the greyness, the lack of light and the general sense of the world just pressing in on you and no energy." But exactly is 'SAD'?

But what exactly is 'SAD'? The NHS defines seasonal affective disorder - or SAD - as a type of depression that typically follows a seasonal pattern. It's often referred to as 'winter depression' because sufferers, like Monty, usually exhibit more noticeable symptoms during the colder seasons. However, it's important to note that it can also manifest in the opposite way.

"You should consider seeing the GP if you think you might have SAD and you're struggling to cope," NHS advice reads. "The GP can carry out an assessment to check your mental health. They may ask you about your mood, lifestyle, eating habits and sleeping patterns, plus any seasonal changes in your thoughts and behaviour."

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) include persistent low moods, feeling lethargic, irritability and a loss of pleasure in everyday life. Other, less obvious signs that may be indicative of SAD are an increased craving for carbohydrates, issues with concentration and a diminished sex drive.

Particularly for Monty, 'black depression' and low energy seem to have the most significant impact. At one point, Monty's condition worsened to such an extent that his wife Sarah gave him an ultimatum due to the strain his moods were placing on her.

On the podcast, Monty reportedly continued: "Sarah said to me, 'Look, I just can't take any longer your moods and your black depression, you've got to do something about it because if you don't, I can't live with you – I'll take the children and I'll go'."

Monty has since begun using a light box to lessen the effect of seasonal changes on his mood. While scientific evidence on the effectiveness of light therapy is varied, some experts suggest it can trigger a positive chemical change in the brain when used particularly in the morning.

Mayo Clinic explains: "It's thought that this type of light may cause a chemical change in the brain that lifts your mood and eases other symptoms of SAD, such as being tired most of the time and sleeping too much...You can buy a light box without a prescription, but it's best to use it under the guidance of a health care provider and follow the manufacturer's guidelines."

In addition to this, Monty also attributes gardening as a great mood booster, along with spending quality time with his family and dogs.