Taking care of your mental health during winter months – FNHA

January 22, 2025

For many First Nations people, winter is traditionally a time of quietness and reflection. Families and communities use the shorter days and time indoors to recharge, connect, share stories, and pass on wisdom and teachings.

Winter is also the time of year when our mental health may be lower than usual. This is due to factors such as fewer daylight hours, colder temperatures, and weather conditions that may limit outdoor activities.

It is normal to experience variation in how we are feeling through the different seasons. We may notice patterns in our moods that change with the seasonal cycles, e.g., feeling lower in the darker winter months and more energized in spring and summer. Some people even experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression characterized by low mood, loss of energy, disrupted sleep, poor concentration, and changes in how they function.

As Indigenous (First Nations and Métis) mental health professionals, we have some tips that may help you feel better during the winter months – bearing in mind that as mental health and wellness is interconnected with physical, spiritual, and emotional health, each must be taken care of to maintain a healthy balance.

Read More: https://www.fnha.ca/about/news-and-events/news/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-during-winter-months