WHAT ARE THE WINTER BLUES?

If the colder months are putting a dampener on your mood, there could be a scientific reason for it

- Amber Bramble

For some people, winter is a time to enjoy, with crisp outdoor walks and cosy nights in front of the heater. However, for others, it can start a noticeable mood shift known as the winter blues or, in more serious cases, seasonal affective disorder.

If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. “It’s quite common for people to feel a bit lower in mood in winter,” says clinical psychologist and mental health expert Mary Spillane.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

The exact reason for the winter blues isn’t known, but some scientists believe that the shorter and darker days can bring on a change in mood for some people.

“There’s a theory that the seasonal change and the changes in lights actually interrupt our body clocks,” explains Mary. “Our body clocks helps us sleep, so that can create a disruption in how we function.”