BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

Are the colder months putting a dampener on your mood?

- AMBER BRAMBLE

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

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 Mary Spillane, a clinical psychologist and mental health expert for Headspace App.

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 shift in mood for some people.

“There’s a theory that the seasonal change and the changes in lights actually interrupt our body clock,” stresses Spillane. “Our body clock is what helps us sleep, so that can cause a disruption in how we function.”

All that extra mid-winter darkness could also be affecting us in other ways. “There’s also a theory that the lack of lights – natural sunlight or bright light – can disrupt our hormones,” Spillane adds.

There may also be simpler explanations for why our emotions shift. “People tend to stay indoors a little more during the colder months and connect with people a bit less,” Spillane explains. “They may be less inclined to exercise regularly and be more inclined to eat more carby foods. Those things can often contribute as well.”

WHAT IS SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER?