Winter can evoke contrasting emotions: some look forward to festive joy, while others face mental health challenges. Here’s how to navigate the season healthily.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. Sometimes referred to as ‘winter depression’ because the symptoms are usually more apparent and severe during winter.
Things you can try yourself:
- Try to get as much natural sunlight as possible, even a brief lunchtime walk can be beneficial.
- Purchase a SAD lamp, a light box that will provide daytime light during dark winter days.
- Make your work and home environments as light and airy as possible
- Sit near windows when you are indoors.
- Take plenty of regular exercise particularly in outdoors and daylight.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet.
- Whenever possible, avoid stressful situations and take steps to manage stress.
Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder (nhs.uk – external link)
Visit every mind matters for more information
Serious or life-threatening emergencies
If you or someone you know needs urgent help:
- Call 999 or go to A&E if it is an emergency and there is a risk of harm to yourself or someone else.
- If you need urgent help for your mental health but it is not an emergency, contact NHS 111 online, or call 111 and select option 2.
- Call Samaritans for free on 116 123. www.samaritans.org
These options are available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Under 18s – Hertfordshire
If you are under the age of 18 or are the family member of someone under the age of 18 who is in crisis, please call Herts Community Mental Health Trust
0800 6444 101
or call NHS 111 and select option 2
Both are available 24/7
Under 18s –Essex
The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Child and Adolescents Mental Health Service (SET CAMHS) provides advice and support to children, young people and families who are in need of support with their emotional wellbeing or mental health difficulties.
Any young person, concerned parent, care giver or a responsible adult of a young person can access help by making an appointment to see their young person’s GP with them.
Visit the website for more information
Call: 0800 953 0222 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm) or 0800 995 1000 (at all other times, including bank holidays)
Email: [email protected]
Christmas time and bereavement
While Christmas can be a time of celebration for many, we recognise that Christmas and the lead up to it can be especially difficult for those who have lost loved ones. Whether it is your first Christmas without your loved one, or several years have passed, grief can hit you hard and feel completely overwhelming. If you feel you might need some specialist bereavement support or you just want some coping tips or to find out what support is available, visit AtaLoss.com – the UK’s signposting and information website for bereaved people.
Support if you are struggling with gambling
At this time of year, people can feel extra pressure on their finances, and some people may be struggling with gambling. It can be difficult to admit that you might have a gambling problem, but there is specialist NHS support available to help you.
The East of England Gambling Service is free and is run by the NHS. Whether you are affected by your own gambling or someone else’s, you are welcome to contact the service. They offer support to individuals and families experiencing the negative impact of gambling.