By Sam Bennison

To Your Health

How to combat the winter blues during the “dark times”

Nov 19, 2024 | 10:13 AM

PRINCE GEORGE— The winter blues are a common condition occurring in roughly 15 to 30 per cent of the population. The winter blues are triggered by seasonal changes and the days getting shorter. They has been common occurence even in the middle ages.

“The ancient Norse — the Vikings, as we commonly call them — they talked about the ‘dark time,'” says Glen Schmidt, a board member of the Northern Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). “They saw it as a time when they were more tired. They wanted to eat more sweet stuff, spend more time inside. So, it’s been recognized for centuries.”

If you feel that your winter blues affect you more than most you could be right as seasonal affective disorder can be a cause for depression. However, the symptoms showcase differently.

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“Instead of weight loss, appetite loss and so forth, you tend to have weight gain,” explains Schmidt. “Sleep more rather than having sleep disrupted.”

Schmidt says that the best thing you can do to combat the winter blues is ensure you get out into the sun as much as possibly during these dark days. In addition, you should try to exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. If your symptoms progress the CMHA can offer resources, or speak with your doctor about light therapy.

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com