Are the winter blues a real thing?

This year has certainly brought us a lot of reasons to think about the weather and its effects on our health. North Islanders in particular have had far more days staring out at grey skies than they would have liked to. As the days get shorter and we officially transition into winter, we all become a bit more aware of the potential of the ‘winter blues’ But is this really a thing? And if so, what can we do about it (that doesn’t involve moving to Fiji or Hawaii).

The winter blues are more scientifically known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). According to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ, this is a form of depression or low mood that’s related to the change of season (usually from summer to winter) and affects people through that season. Causes are not 100 per cent proven, but studies suggest it’s related to the drop in sunlight hours affecting the body’s chemical balances. Anecdotally we all know how sunshine makes us feel – and if a sunny day can boost our mood, it follows that a string of grey ones can dampen it.

So what can we do if we think we have SAD? There’s some evidence to suggest that Vitamin D can help, and since it’s an inexpensive supplement, it’s certainly worth getting your levels checked to see if you are deficient (unfortunately Vitamin D tests aren’t funded). There’s also a lot of talk in scientific circles about getting our eyes exposed to natural sunlight as early as we can every day. As diurnal creatures, humans are programmed to be outdoors while the sun is shining and home in bed at night – melatonin is produced when it’s dark, and stops when we see daylight. Serotonin (our ‘happy hormone) is also affected by exposure to daylight – its production begins when night-time melatonin production ceases, so the sooner your eyes see daylight, the sooner positive mood hormone production can swing into action.

And all the tools and strategies that are relevant to any other low mood period also apply here. Get out for that walk, spend time with people who boost your mood, talk to a counsellor or your doctor if it’s really taking hold, watch videos of puppies befriending chickens, nourish your body with good food, drink lots of water. SAD is definitely a thing, so make sure you look at ways you can show the winter blues who is boss.