Winter can evoke contrasting emotions: some look forward to festive joy, while others face mental health challenges. Here’s how to navigate the season healthily.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. Sometimes referred to as ‘winter depression’ because the symptoms are usually more apparent and severe during winter.
Things you can try yourself:
- Try to get as much natural sunlight as possible, even a brief lunchtime walk can be beneficial.
- Purchase a SAD lamp, a light box that will provide daytime light during dark winter days.
- Make your work and home environments as light and airy as possible
- Sit near windows when you are indoors.
- Take plenty of regular exercise particularly in outdoors and daylight.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet.
- Whenever possible, avoid stressful situations and take steps to manage stress.
Serious or life-threatening emergencies
If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis and requires serious or life threatening emergency mental or physical care, dial 999 immediately.
In Crisis?
Adults
If you, a family member or friend are in crisis and need help, please dial 111 and select the option for mental health crisis. You will be connected to our contact centre where trained staff will provide appropriate support and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Under 18s
If you are under the age of 18 or are the family member of someone under the age of 18 who is in crisis, please call North East London NHS Foundation Trust’s Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Services (SET CAMHS).
0800 953 0222
[email protected]
If you need urgent help or out of hours help please call Mental Health Direct 0800 995 1000.