Let’s face it – the cold weather seems to be endless in Squamish.
At this time of year, it can be endlessly dreary and it’s easy to get into a rut of waking up before the sun is out and getting home from work in the dark.
Two Arctic airflow warnings were announced in the past couple weeks, with strong winds and wind-chill forecast down to -25 degrees. It’s cold outside.
Even though we have year round recreational opportunities in Squamish – hiking, biking, swimming at the rec centre – we often find ourselves spending yet another day inside.
As winter approaches, healthcare professionals are warning about SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a type of depression that’s related to the change in season when the sunnier days of summer disappear during the late fall.
It sucks up your energy and makes you moody, but don’t brush it off as the “winter blues” that you need to tough out on your own.
Symptoms include: Feeling sluggish or agitated, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, oversleeping, gaining weight with high-carbohydrate food, turning to alcohol for comfort, having difficulty concentrating and problems getting along with other people. Feelings of hopeless and worthlessness can lead to thoughts of death or suicide.
Three per cent of people will experience full-on SAD in their lifetime, but 15 per cent will be have milder forms of the disorder that leaves them slightly depressed but still able to live their lives without major disruption, according to Here to Help BC, a group of seven mental health and addictions non-profit agencies. Women and people under 50 years old are more likely to experience SAD.
What can you do about it?
Self-help is a good place to start.
• Get regular exercise and spend time outdoors, including going for a walk each day.
• Keep your curtains open during the day and sit near a window.
• Eat healthy and get enough sleep.
• Stay connected to friends and family and try to manage stress.
For more severe cases, counselling is a good option, along with talking to your doctor and light therapy, which involves looking at a special kind of light for half an hour day.
If you need help, call the Mood Disorders Association of BC at 604-873-0103 or the Canadian Mental Health Assocation at 604-688-3234.
