21 December 2018

Today, 21 December, is the winter solstice, otherwise known as the shortest day of the year, when the Scottish Borders will only see seven hours and two minutes of daylight. So although this can be a time of excitement and fun leading up to the festive period, some people experience winter as dismal. It's perhaps unsurprising that so little daylight, not to mention the decreasing temperatures, can make you feel a bit blue.

The Mental Health Foundation estimates that "winter depression" or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects approximately one in fifteen people in the UK. This is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern with symptoms usually occurring between September and April (particularly December to February) each year.

As with other types of depression, two of the main symptoms of SAD are low mood and lack of interest in life. Other symptoms of SAD can include:

  • being less active than normal
  • sleeping more
  • feeling irritable, stressed or anxious
  • feelings of despair, guilt or worthlessness
  • low self-esteem
  • indecisiveness
  • tearfulness
  • a reduced sex drive
  • feeling lethargic (lack of energy)
  • finding it difficult to concentrate
  • having an increased appetite and eating more than usual

The Seasonal Affective Disorder Association shared the following ten tips with NHS Inform to help people combat SAD: keep active; get outside; keep warm; eat healthily; explore light therapy; take up a new hobby; see friends and family; talk it through; join a support group and seek help.

Everyone is different so what works for one person may not work for another. There's usually something that will help so if the first remedy you try doesn't work, keep trying.

However everyone - no matter how well or low they are feeling - can benefit from looking after their mental health and wellbeing. Good mental health is more than just the absence of a mental health problem - we all have mental health and to be well we need to look after our minds as well as our bodies.

Allyson McCollam, Associate Director of Public Health for NHS Borders, said: "There are lots of ways to keep yourself well such as making time to be with friends, doing things you enjoy, learning something new, having some 'me time' or being more active. Our Six Ways to be Well in the Scottish Borders wellbeing guide has more ideas, information and local contacts which are useful.

"It's also important to know that help and support is available should you need it. If you, or someone you know, are feeling down or feeling that you don't know how to cope, you could speak to family or friends or a confidential advice service such as Borderline (0800 027 4466), Breathing Space (0800 838587) or Samaritans (116 123)."

And of course, after today daylight hours start to increase again!