Winter Blues
January and February have reputations for being some of the least favourable months when it comes to mental health. When the excitement of the festive season passes and holiday bills begin to arrive, many individuals may experience what’s called the Winter Blues. But for some people, it’s much more than that.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that significantly affects thoughts, mood and behaviour and is characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern. Most often occurring during the winter months, SAD symptoms typically start at the end of fall and carry on until spring.
Symptoms may include:
- Feeling persistently down, anxious or hopeless.
- Increased irritability, frustration or guilt.
- A desire to isolate or stay inside.
Energy sector workers also face unique challenges to mental health and well-being, particularly those who fly in and out of remote locations. Research indicates that fly-in-fly-out workers experience more work-related and general stress and higher incidents of diagnosed long-term health conditions than the general population. This is often felt as strained relationships, loneliness and stress from being away from home. Stigma and in some cases, a perceived lack of psychological safety, remain a barrier to workers seeking and accessing support.
Despite its challenges, this time of year presents an opportunity for us to talk about mental health and well-being in the workplace. The following suggestions may help you this month if you are feeling low:
- Get outside. While it’s understandable if you want to stick indoors this time of year, doing so could exacerbate symptoms. Studies indicate that sunlight affects the brain’s ability to maintain normal levels of serotonin – the chemical that helps regulate mood! Vitamin D (produced by sunlight) is also believed to promote serotonin activity.
- Stay connected. Work together to support each other and share ideas for managing work when it becomes stressful or when distractions are present. We all have the opportunity to intervene when someone is working and obviously distracted.
- Be kind. Simple acts of kindness. When we’re kind to others (and ourselves), we tend to feel better.
- Get moving. When you exercise your body, you release endorphins and feel-good chemicals that reduce feelings of pain and increase feelings of pleasure, boosting your mood! Just 20-30 minutes of movement daily can have a big impact on mental health.
- Small changes vs. resolutions. Make small sustainable changes in your routine.
- Talk to someone or seek help. Whether it’s through counseling or talking to a friend or, a more formal mental health support, please remember there is help available.
CEDA provides its employees with access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP). These confidential services are provided by an external organization called Homewood Health. You can access these services any time by calling 1-800-663-1142.
HeadsUpGuys supports men’s mental health in a positive, inclusive and mutually supportive way with and for people of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a nationwide organization that promotes mental health and supports people recovering from mental illness.
