With the start of winter, as the dark and the frost starts creeping in on Canberra, it's normal to feel bluer than usual. In fact it has a name: seasonal affective disorder.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
University of Canberra assistant professor in psychology Dr Vivienne Lewis said it sets in when it was cold and dark.
"Basically seasonal affective disorder is basically a form of depression that people get, typically when there's a change of season," Dr Lewis said.
It's not surprising seeing as Canberra has been dropping as low as minus 4 overnight this week, with similar lows expected this weekend.
But sunny skies and highs hovering around 15 degrees are expected through till Monday, with warmer weather and warmer waters expected out at the coast.
"People tend to feel more depressed because they're not getting the energy from the sun," Dr Lewis said.
"We certainly see an increase in people asking for mental health assistance."
While partly psychological, seasonal affective disorder is also physiological: your body reacts to the lack of sunlight and requires more energy to stay warm.
"Because your body's generating more energy it gets tired more easily and if you're tired more easily you're more susceptible to feeling low," Dr Lewis said.
Dr Lewis added people tended to be getting up for work and returning home while it was dark, which could drop their mood.
"Because it's cold, people don't go outside so they're not going outside in the sun like they usually do," Dr Lewis said.
While Canberra was one of the colder cities in Australia, Ms Lewis said the capital's bright sunny days tended to help.
"If you are looking after your well being, you put yourself in a better place to counter the effect," Dr Lewis said.
"It is about reaching out for help, I suppose, if you feel your moods low and you're not feeling too crash hot."
Dr Lewis' tips included getting plenty of exercise.
"Exercise produces endorphins, which are the feel good chemcials which therefore counter the effects of depression," she said.
She also suggested eating well, staying hydrated, keeping well rested and if drinking, doing so in moderation.
While the rainy days made it hard, it was also important to go out and socialise and catch as much sunlight as possible, be out of the office for lunch at work or sitting by a window inside.
As if you needed an excuse, but Dr Lewis suggested somewhere sunny and warm for a holiday during winter.
