The clocks have gone back so it’s dark when you go out in the morning and dark when you come home. The UK has already had its first snows of the year, causing chaos. And other than Christmas, it’s a long slog to lighter nights again. The winter blues can hit hard.
So it’s no surprise that many of us dread the winter months. It can be hard to get going in the morning when you’re toasty in bed, and motivation for exercise can often be lacking too.
But for some people, there are more serious problems at this time of year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a clinically-recognised condition. here are six main symptoms to be aware of. If you notice these in yourself, or spot them in your colleagues or loved ones, then you may be suffering from SAD:
1. Feeling irritable
2. A low mood that doesn’t improve
3. Feeling low on energy or sleepy during the day
4. Sleeping for longer but finding it hard to get up in the morning
5. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or despair
6. A loss of interest of pleasure in normal daily activities
The NHS outlines some other indicators to note. They describe it as a seasonal depression, and if it becomes severe you should seek help.
What Causes the Winter Blues?
There isn’t one clinical cause, but the NHS and other health bodies suggest reasons for the winter blues, including:
• Circadian rhythm – the body relies on natural daylight to regulate its internal clock – shorter days can affect this
• Increased melatonin – this is the hormone that makes us feel sleepy. It’s possible that people with SAD produce more of it
• Decreased serotonin – linked to mood, appetite and sleep: a reduction in this hormone can make you more prone to SAD
• Genetics – like other mental heath conditions, SAD can run in families
Be Open and Ask for Help
If you’re really finding it hard at this time of year, then speak to your GP. If you have an occupational therapist or HR department in your MSP, let them know too.
Remember to be kind to yourself. Suffering from depression does not mean that you’re a failure. And these feelings are temporary. You can and will get better. If you’re not comfortable with sharing how you feel with your staff, then at least confide in your senior leadership team.
And if you need some time off, make sure that they are able to support you with that. You will need to tell the team something, so discuss what that might be. Although if you CAN share what you’re going through, it might make it easier for someone else to open up about their own mental health.
Support Your Staff
Firstly, make sure your staff know that their workplace is a safe space to talk about mental health and wellbeing issues. If they are struggling, let them come to you. Alternatively, you may have an arrangement with a third-party provider. Or, in a larger company, an occupational health team.
Secondly, if you spot a team member whose mood has dropped or is otherwise not themselves, speak to them privately. Offer assistance, signposting and a non-judgmental, friendly ear.
Finally, look at provisions you could make before winter really kicks in. Perhaps you offer a discount for a local gym – exercise is a proven way to boost mental health. Or, you might arrange for a yoga teacher to run sessions over lunchtimes.
Not only will these perks make people happier in their workplace, it also sends a clear message that you take their wellbeing seriously. And at this time of the year, that could make a really big difference to someone.
Is it Burnout Rather Than Winter Blues?
What do you think? Do you have measures in place to support your staff at this time of year?
You Might Also be Interested in
You might like:
Comments