The winter months can be difficult for many of us and our mental health.
With dropping temperatures and shorter days occurring in Hull and East Yorkshire, we might feel the need to sleep for longer, notice a change in our appetite, or find it difficult to do things we normally enjoy. The colder weather may also impact our social life, our relationships or make working harder.
As we continue through winter, we have some tips on how to spot the signs that the winter might be impacting your mental health, as well as suggestions for support and self-help. If you feel your mood is low during the winter, there are some things you can try to help you feel better. These are just suggestions, and they may not always work for you. Different things work for different people at different times.
- Make the most of natural light
Some of us find it helps to spend time in natural light, for example going for walks, spending time in parks or gardens, or simply sitting near a window.
- Plan ahead for the winter
If you can, try and do some essential tasks ahead of the winter. For example, try to make meals in advance and freeze them if you know you find this difficult sometimes during the winter.
Try and plan times to relax, particularly if winter can be a busy time for you. It is okay if you need to re-arrange plans or take time for yourself if you feel you need to.
- Talk to someone
It can be hard to reach out when you’re not feeling well, but it might help to share how you’re feeling. Talking to someone who understands us and listens to us can be beneficial to our mood. You can contact us 24/7 on 01482 240133 or email [email protected]. You can also chat to us live at www.heymind.org.uk
- Look after your physical health
Looking after your physical health can make a difference to how you feel emotionally. If you can, try and do some regular physical activity during the winter. Physical activity can be very effective in lifting mood and increasing energy levels. It doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous. It could be yoga or walking, or even activities like housework or gardening.
- Seek support
Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well, but it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to. It’s common to feel unsure, and to wonder whether you should try to handle things on your own. But it’s always ok to ask for help.
There are lots of options for support out there, although you might find some are more suitable for you, or more easily available. There’s no wrong order to try things in – different things work for different people at different times.
If you are struggling with your mental health, your energy bills or generally finding life hard, here are some useful contacts that may be able to help:
Mental Health Support Line
Support for individuals in crisis or distress in Hull and East Yorkshire.
Tel: 0800 138 0990 (24/7)
Hull and East Yorkshire Mind’s Information Line
Free and confidential advice and support if you are struggling with your mental health
Tel: 01482 240133 / [email protected] (24/7)
StepChange
StepChange provides free advice about money problems, debt and budgeting.
Tel: 0800 138 1111 (Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm)
Citizens Advice Hull and East Riding
Free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information on a wide range of subjects
Tel: 0800 144 8848 / [email protected]
Check what extra support you could be entitled to via your local authority.
Hull City Council – 01482 300300
www.hull.gov.uk/benefits-support-and-welfare-advice/benefits-support
East Riding of Yorkshire Council – 01482 393939
