Brighter Outlook™ gloomy weather forecast alert service

Supported by the NHS

Make a positive difference to your mental health

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Most people notice that prolonged periods of gloomy weather can affect their mood. However, for some people, this effect is more powerful and can significantly interfere with their lives. For these people winter months are difficult and can bring about a sustained low mood and lack of energy. The clinical name for this illness is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Typically the types of problem people report are:

• Depression or feeling low
• Less interest in doing things
• Feeling tired or having little energy
• Sleep disturbances, such as sleeping too much or waking in the night
• Loss of interest in sex
• Changes in appetite (either a loss of appetite or, in some cases, overeating)

These problems not only have a negative impact on people’s lives, they can also seriously affect their relationships with friends and family.

About Brighter Outlook™

In Cornwall in Winter 2008/9 the Met Office, Outlook South West and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Primary Care Trust, launched a pilot of a new service called Brighter Outlook™. This combined gloomy weather alerts, issued by the Met Office, with light therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help people with SAD.

Light Therapy

One of the main problems during the winter is the reduced level of light. Research has shown that use of a light box can have a positive effect in reducing SAD symptoms. Light boxes were provided to all people who were part of the pilot service.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

We also provided a self-help booklet that included some tried and tested self-help strategies. Based on cognitive behaviour therapy, these ideas provide common sense approaches to managing the symptoms of SAD.

Latest research suggests that combining light therapy with cognitive behaviour therapy has a significant benefit for people with SAD.

Gloomy weather alerts

When gloomy weather was forecast, the Met Office provided alerts to people enrolled on the scheme. People could choose to receive the alert either by email, text message or through an automated phone call. The purpose of the alerts was to give people 48 hours warning at times when the level of gloominess meant they were at risk of their SAD symptoms becoming worse. This would prompt them to:

• Make use of their light boxes.
• Practise the healthy living routines provided in the self-help booklet.

These actions were aimed at reducing the effect of the gloomy weather on their health.

What were the results?

Eighty-two participants were assessed before receiving the service, and then were assessed again after receiving treatment for three to four weeks. The results clearly showed a significant improvement in depressive symptoms.

What’s next?

In Winter 2009/10 we are aiming to pilot Brighter Outlook™ in more regions across the UK, with a view to making it more widely available in Winter 2010/11.

If you would like more information on this service please contact your GP.