'Blue Monday' draws attention to Seasonal Affective disorder in Sask.
The third Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, drawing attention to the depression and the difficulties those suffering from the winter blues face.
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), five per cent of the country is affected by Seasonal Affected Disorder (SAD).
The CMHA says it’s quite normal for people’s mood to shift due to days being shorter, darker, and colder.
Herman Turcot, who lives in Saskatoon, said his mood is affected by the lack of sunlight in the winter.
“Everyday is a struggle, the sun is not out so it doesn’t help,” said Turcot. “That’s energy that what we need.”
The CMHA said SAD, or a milder version known as the winter blues, affects as many as 15 per cent of Canadians.
“For many people we can all feel it. But for some people, they actually experience a form of depression as a result of Seasonal Affective Disorder,” said the Executive Director of Canadian Mental Association Saskatoon Branch Faith Bodnar.
Bodnar added that Canadians feel the effects due to dark times and shorter days, with people only primarily affected in the Northern Hemisphere.
“For some people it affects their sleep pattern, as well as appetite. They can become very tired and listless so it’s really important to be aware of it,” she said.
Bodnar said the COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges to people dealing with all mental health issues, including those with SAD.
“Prior to COVID we used to say one in five people would experience a mental health issue that requires medical attention, we’re now saying five in five people are experiencing mental health issues,” she said.
The CMHA Saskatoon branch is seeing existing clients four times as frequently.
For people who are experiencing SAD, Bodnar recommends getting outside, exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet, or reaching out to a medical professional. Bodnar also said now is the time for people to be checking in on each other.
“We never want to assume that somebody is okay just because they say they are okay,” said Bodnar. “If you got a family member who is having a little hard of a time, take dinner over to them, give them a call.”
It’s a gesture Turcot knows would go a long way.
“It’s so important, especially given this COVID-19, you got to check on people,” he said.
Those seeking help can contact the Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatoon Branch: info@CMHAsaskatoon.ca or 306-384-9333.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.