Signs you may have seasonal affective disorder without even realising it

With the rubbish weather and the nights drawing in so early, it's no wonder so many of us feel a bit down during the winter months.

Lots of people will already be longing for spring and summer to come back around and bring some sunshine to our otherwise dreary days.

For around two million of us Brits though, the winter is made even more difficult by the onset of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that people experience during particular seasons or times of year.

Sometimes referred to as "winter depression" or the "winter blues", SAD is usually more apparent and more severe during the colder months.

However, some people may find their symptoms actually get better in the winter and are instead worse during the summer.

The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but there are warning signs you can look out for that may suggest you're experiencing the common mental health problem.

According to the mental health charity Mind, there are 12 key symptoms of SAD that you can look out for when evaluating your own health and the way you are feeling during the winter.

Among these include symptoms such as having an overall lack of energy or feeling anxious, as well as having difficulty concentrating and losing interest in sex, The Mirror reports.

According to the NHS, you may also be experiencing SAD if you have a distinct craving for carbohydrates and have found yourself gaining weight as a result.

The NHS also lists many of the same symptoms as Mind, and recommends you contact your GP if you believe you have SAD and are "struggling to cope".

On their website, they state: "The GP can carry out an assessment to check your mental health. They may ask you about your mood, lifestyle, eating habits and sleeping