So, what are the winter blues?
The winter blues are a wave of low emotions that come with these cold, dark days.
If you’re experiencing the winter blues, you might feel the need to sleep a bit longer, indulge more often in comfort food, and spend more time with Netflix than with your friends and family.
You may have heard people referring to this as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but the winter blues and SAD are two different things.
The difference between the winter blues and seasonal affective disorder:
About 15% of people in Canada experience the winter blues, while only about 2-3% of people in Canada experience SAD. [1]
SAD is a widely researched condition of regularly occurring depression in the winter season that can impair one’s daily life. Treatment can include light therapy, counselling, medication, or a combination of the three. A professional can help determine if you are experiencing SAD. [2]
Here are some ways you can improve or maintain your mood this winter:
1. Let the light in
Get outside during the day if you can, keep your curtains open, and when indoors, spend as much time as you can near the windows. Even if it’s cloudy, getting some daylight can help boost your mood.
2. Get physical
3. Try to keep a normal sleep schedule
It might feel like your bed is the only one who understands this funk you’re in but over-sleeping can actually worsen the symptoms of the winter blues.
4. Connect with those closest to you
5. Give yourself a pat on the back – you’re doing great.
NOTE: This article originally appeared on the CMHA National Website and is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of professional advice.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or need immediate help, please call 1-800-784-2433
I think it’s important to get out of the house everyday even if it’s just to the mall or to a local coffee shop a walk in the park !
Isolation is depressions best friend.