BBC Monty Don’s struggle with 'unbearable' health condition explained

The 69-year-old presenter previously said the health problem, which heightens in November and December each year, feels like 'world [is] just pressing in on you'

Gardeners' World host Monty Don suffers from a little-known disorder that rears its head in the colder months. The 69-year-old previously said the health problem, which heightens in November and December, feels like 'world [is] just pressing in on you', while also experiencing a complete lack of energy.

Speaking on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast last year, he said: "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'?

The NHS explains that seasonal affective disorder - or SAD - is a type of depression that generally comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. It's often dubbed 'winter depression' as sufferers, like Monty, usually have more obvious symptoms during the colder seasons.

Though, importantly, it can work the other way around too. "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."

Persistent low moods, irritability, feeling lethargic and a lack of enjoyment in day-to-day activities are among its key symptoms. But less obvious signs like an intensified craving for carbohydrates, difficulty concentrating and a reduced libido may be linked to SAD too.

For Monty, it's 'black depression' and low energy that appears to have the greatest impact. His wife even gave him an ultimatum when the moods hit an all time low as she couldn't cope any longer. 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'."

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Now, it's understood that Monty uses a light box to lessen the impact of seasonal changes. These small lamps essentially mimic outdoor light, which has the potential to trigger a chemical change in the brain that elevates your mood. Although there is mixed scientific evidence surrounding the efficacy of this, some researchers claim it's especially helpful if used first thing 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."

Aside from this, Monty also credits gardening as a good way to boost his mood, as well as spending time with his loved ones and dogs.

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