Blue Monday – the third Monday of January – once touted as the most depressing day of the year, has proven to be a myth. But with the holidays over and the grey winter weather setting in, some Canadians may notice a shift in mood and energy. These ‘winter blues’ are all too real.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)Waterloo Wellington is here to help. CMHA Waterloo Wellington offers a number of programs and services including: counselling and treatment, psychiatry, senior’s mental health, children’s services and more.
To access services, individuals can call Here 24/7, the front door to the addictions, mental health and crisis services provided by 12 agencies across Waterloo Wellington. All intake, assessment, referral, crisis, waitlist and appointment booking for these important programs is done through Here 24/7. CMHA Waterloo Wellington also offers the Distress Centre, which provides confidential supportive listening to individuals in Waterloo and Wellington.
“Canadian winters tend to be long, dark and cold, but there are ways to make things better,” said Fred Wagner, executive director of CMHA Waterloo Wellington.
“It’s essential that people take care of their mental health at this time of year.”
The winter blues differs from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, which affects about two per cent of the population and is a serious form of depression.
Symptoms include weight gain, decreased energy and fatigue. People experiencing the winter blues can benefit from:
– Maximizing exposure to sunlight. Spend more time outdoors during the day and arrange indoor environments to receive maximum sunlight.
– Trim tree branches that block light, for example, and keep curtains open during the day. Move furniture to sit near a window. Installing skylights and adding lamps can also help.
– Exercise relieves stress, builds energy and increases mental and physical well-being. Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk.
– Healthy eating has been shown to benefit mental as well as physical health.
For more information on mental health and mental illness, visit https://cmhaww.ca.
