It’s that time of year again.
The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping and the warm, sunny days of summer are behind us. While some people enjoy the change from fall to winter, others find the change of seasons can be mentally draining.
Canadian Mental Health Association staff in PEI say they see an increase in requests for support around this time of year. One of the biggest reasons is less sunlight and less outdoor activity.
“It just means in general that they’re struggling a lot with feeling bad, depressed and anxious,” Jana Burns, a peer support officer at CMHA, told CBC. morning on the island.
Go outside if possible
Burns said there are simple steps people can take to protect their mental health as winter approaches, and one of the biggest ones is getting outdoors.
“Just getting outside during the day during the day can really help,” she said.
morning on the island7:40Tips to Protect Your Mental Health When the Day Goes Dark
As summer passes and the days get shorter, many people begin to feel the effects on their mood. Jana Burns, Peer Support Officer at the Canadian Mental Health Association, joins us to share some tips for managing your mental health during these dark times.
Light therapy lamps are another option for people affected by seasonal depression, Burns said. Public libraries throughout PEI offer lending services.
Stay active
Exercise can also make a big difference, Burns said.
“People fear it and think it’s going to be a very intense thing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s just being connected and active. Yoga and stretching or walking are simple things,” she said.
Kailea Switzer, a therapist based in Charlottetown, agrees that staying moving is especially important in cold weather.
Even everyday activities, such as shoveling snow or stretching to music, can help.
“We know that movement regulates our mood and energy. It can generate internal energy even when the outside world feels more tiring, especially when natural light is low,” Switzer said.
Embracing the seasons, embracing each other
Burns said it can be difficult to motivate someone who struggles to get active. This is when social connection is most important, even if it doesn’t matter.
She suggests cozy activities like watching a show together, playing board games or sharing a warm drink. It’s all about embracing the cozy vibes of the season.
“Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a difference in your comfort level,” she said.
Switzer agrees. She said one of the most important things people can do to cope with cold weather is to embrace the season rather than resist it.
“What people tend to do is wish it was summer and count the days until the terrible weather ends. But I find that people can feel much better if they approach winter more openly,” Switzer said.
This could be like finding snow pants, finding used skates or cross-country skis on Facebook Marketplace, or even searching for the best hot chocolate on the island.
“Anything that can get us out of survival mode and make winter something to experience,” she said.
Switzer adds that intentionally maintaining social connections is essential for mental health during the colder months when opportunities for connection don’t occur naturally.
“People tend to have more social anxiety the longer they stay home, so making plans can be stressful, but we think of it as a preventative strategy to avoid getting too lonely,” Switzer said.
ask for help
Switzer recommends people pay attention if they become withdrawn, more anxious, or lose interest in things they enjoy. Reaching out early, like a friend or therapist, can make a big difference.
“Don’t wait until things get too bad, because then it becomes difficult to have the energy to get help,” she said.
Burns said CMHA’s services exist to support island residents.
The organization offers a peer support program where employees meet one-on-one with individuals. This is self-referral and non-clinical and all peer support workers have experience of experiencing mental health or addiction issues.
“People can come in and talk about their lives. (It’s) a non-judgmental space. It’s 100% confidential and a safe space to connect and hear from others who have their own life experiences,” she said.
Group sessions are also offered as part of the peer support program. People can join support groups seven days a week, with options available across the island.
Burns added that CMHA offers additional programs, including a family program and a Life After Suicide Loss program.
People can contact or visit CMHA’s PEI division. website Learn more about available support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some places to get help:
