Summer is here and the weather is glorious, some might say a little too warm.
Most of us love the warm summer weather, light nights making those evening strolls more likely to happen. Your mental health and wellbeing changes in the summer months, You could feel happier, healthier perhaps more active.
Why is summer better for your mental health?
One of the many benefits of the summer is the positive effect that it has on many people’s mental health. The sun gives us more vitamin D, which raises energy levels and just simply makes us feel happier.
Unfortunately the weather will change as well as our mood, this can be down to Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), more recently known as major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern, mostly affects people in the winter months. However, some people can experience it in the summer.
As days grow shorter and the weather turns colder in winter, many people find themselves feeling a little down and less motivated to be outdoors, enjoying nature.
We have put this article together for information and to prepare you or to give you the knowledge to prepare other for what can happen when the weather does change.
Consider CBT or other forms of talking therapy
NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) recommends CBT in the treatment of SAD. CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is based on the idea that the way you think and behave affects the way you feel. CBT isn’t always effective for everybody with SAD, and it may be that other forms of talking therapy, such as counselling may be more effective for you. In each case it may be a good first step to discuss your concerns with your GP and jointly decide upon the most appropriate form of support for you.
Try to get as much natural light as possible
Symptoms of SAD tend to be worse for most people during the darker, winter months when sunlight is less abundant. Some studies have suggested that people living with SAD may benefit from increased light exposure, so it may be beneficial to maximise time spent in natural light during the winter months. This can include taking a walk outside on your lunch break, making your working environment as light and airy as possible, or even sitting closer to sources or light, such as windows where possible.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
People living with SAD may find that their diet worsens during times they may be feeling low or depressed. This can lead to vicious circle of negative thoughts, and actions such as eating unhealthily which only serve to intensify feelings of low mood. Striving to eat a healthy, balanced diet can be effective in helping to improve the symptoms of SAD in some people. The NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eatwell/ has lots of helpful content and tips on how to improve your diet.
Exercise regularly, and try to avoid stressful situations
Exercise is shown to be an effective form of treatment for many forms of depression. For people living with SAD, exercising outdoors where possible in natural light can be a particularly effective means of improving symptoms. The NHS also recommends avoiding stressful situations wherever possible, and taking steps to recognise the signs of stress, and how best to manage these.
Information Sources and Useful Links –
This article references information and studies hosted at the following web addresses. If you would like to access this and more information on Seasonal Affective Disorder in more detail please follow the links below:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/treatment/
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/
mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disordersad/about-sad/
Please join our live webinar ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ on Friday 29th July 2022 at 12pm. Please use the following link to register your attendance:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7991412563103218959
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.
If you feel you may need some support, you can contact Care first. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, information and advice services. All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling, information services and online support. Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.