As the first snow has startled us, reminding us of something that needs no reminding, winter is coming. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind all of you to mentally prepare for the winter. Yes this snow will come and go rather quickly but it serves a purpose to get us in the right state of mind to combat those winter blues. Many people struggle with depression, loneliness and anxiety during the winter months.
Summertime is easy to be active and engaged, we love being outside and enjoying everything Edmonton has to offer. However, as the days get shorter and the temperatures get lower we tend to isolate almost as if we are bears in hibernation. In winter everything seems to take a little more motivation, things move slower, and time slows down.
As a psychologist in Edmonton I can vouch that more people feel lonely and depressed during the winter months. I see more clients in January and February than any of the other months in the year. Winter can take its toll on people. It does not have to be this way. There are things that you and your friends or family can do and plan for to help you feel great during the winter.
I encourage each and every one of you reading this to make a winter depression resolution. That is, I would like you to pick an activity something new that you will engage yourself in throughout the winter that involves being active or social. Get together with friends and family and dedicate a night of the weak as your depression buster night. Pick up a hobby or physical exercise routine for a 6 month period. It is easier to commit to something for winter than to commit to something indefinitely. In other words incorporate something that will get you up and about and/or out of the house. The reason I am suggesting this is because staying active and social can at times be a protective factor for depression.
There are many more ways to cope with the winter blues, and if you are one of those people who knows that life gets just a little bit tougher in winter I invite you to explore how you are going to be proactive this upcoming winter season.
If you have any questions please message me, I am always here to help.
Farrel Greenspan,
Registererd Provisional Psychologist.
Edmonton