How Maritimers are combatting seasonal depression this year

The dark days of December are triggering a rise in seasonal depression and winter fatigue.

This is the time of year when the winter blues come into effect.

Shorter days, less sunlight and colder nights are often linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

“Stats show that depression, stress and burnout is higher than it’s ever been and that’s regardless of the season. That’s regardless of the season, then the season adds to it. When the days gets shorter, it gets colder,” says Julie Cass, mental wellness expert.

There are several factors that lead to seasonal affective disorder, Cass says a few common signs are lethargy, low energy and lack of motivation.

“If you are feeling sad, if you are feeling unmotivated. If you are feeling like you’ve sort of plateaued a little bit and you don’t feel those excitement peaks. Maybe things on the calendar you are dreading instead of looking forward to, everything just has a little bit of a haze on it,” she says.

Despite the darkness outside and colder nights a local gym in Dartmouth is bright, with loud music and people sweating their way to a clearer head.

“Working out affects your mental health in a number of ways, mostly it brings down stress levels,” says Devin Sherrington, owner of 360fit.

Sherrington says gym traffic tends to slow down this time of year because people are crazy busy. But he says that doesn’t mean people can’t prioritize their health and his goal is to help with that.

“Three things I tell my clients is, I want you to move a little bit more, take some walks during the day that will help you even if it’s 10 minutes long. Number two, eat healthy during the week, those five days eat healthy, do what you want on the weekend. And three, make sure you sweat, if you are not sweating at least two to three times a week then your stress levels will go up,” says Sherrington.

Movement can make a big difference, something many Maritimers are looking for as seasonal depression sets in.

“Go for walks, do some meditation, have some more peaceful time, I think its not just about connecting with ourselves but also with others and I mean real connection, not connection behind a screen or distracted conversation but even five minutes of real connection with your loved ones can give you a little more of that energy that we are craving this time of year,” says Cass.

With two weeks until Christmas Eve, experts say many people spend less time focusing on their own health.

“Just like trees go into a little bit of hibernation right now, we have to honour the cycles within our own body. We start to crave things like warm food, soups and stews, but even emotionally we need more downtime, we need more quiet time, we need maybe less stimulation. I think it’s just honouring the rhythm of our body. And in society let’s face it we go against the grain or against the natural rhythm a lot of the times,” says Cass.

For some Maritimers like Mary Thibeault, they enjoy the different seasons and don’t mind the cold weather. She sees it as a time of renewal.

“I love sunshine so you will often see me rocking in a rocking chair when the sun is out, I enjoy that,” Thibeault.

Thibeault admits that when its days upon days of darkness and no sunlight it can be a bit off putting.

“You know the sun is going to shine again so you go for a walk, get out there and do what you can,” adds Thibeault.

She focuses on the future and the good things, much like Cassidy Meagan who loves being outdoors, for her this is one thing that helps her combat the seasonal depression she experiences.

“Going for walks like at the public gardens,” she says. “They have it all lit up so I am thinking of doing that. But if you don’t like being outdoors, there are a lot of indoor things you can do as well. I was just painting last night so painting nice warm sceneries maybe, embracing the memory of the warmer days.”

She adds that it’s also about spending time with family and those closest too us, which is something Hannah Macintosh agrees with.

“I try to get outside that’s the best thing for me and enjoy time with family friends, and lean on the people around me,” says Macintosh.

One piece of advice that Cass says can help is doing something every single day that brings you joy even if it’s for 30 seconds.

“I think it’s really about what works for you. If you want to be more social, make an effort to be more social. If you want to stay in, don’t feel guilty saying no to certain things. I think it’s really what works for you. If you like to cook and do elaborate meals, do that, if you want to hit the easy button, do that,” adds Cass.

She says even taking a few deep breaths can put someone’s mind at ease.

“When we are feeling heightened stress or feeling a bit of a funk, just engaging in a few deep breaths and what I like to do is intentionally inhale peace and exhale any stress or tension out of the body. Using the mind with the breath, a really powerful tool that we have access to,” adds Cass.

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