Autumn leaves many feeling depressed
Halloween weekend isn’t only a time for dressing up and dooking for apples. The 30th October 2005 also spells the end of British Summertime, sending the clocks back one hour and marking the arrival of shorter daylight hours.
The changing of the clocks may mean no more than a welcome Sunday morning lie-in for many people. Indeed it may go relatively unnoticed for some as only a brief mention in the newspaper or an uncharacteristic early arrival to Sunday lunch at the in-laws.
However, the clocks going back can mark the beginning of months of misery for people who feel the effects of the ‘winter blues’ as they find it increasingly difficult to function during the darker months.
Tony McLaren, Service Coordinator with Breathing Space explains “Many of us find ourselves feeling more tired as winter approaches, the clocks going back almost induce a feeling of jet lag and even the chirpiest of people can lose the spring in their step at this time of year.
“However, for some people the feelings of lethargy and depression are so severe that they struggle to function normally in their everyday lives, making it difficult to maintain relationships or hold down a steady job which in turn can lead to emotional and financial difficulties that enhance the individual’s feelings of hopelessness and despair.
“I’m sure most of us can relate to feeling a lot cheerier when the sun is shining. We often have more energy and the extra light means we can take part in after work or school activities late into the evenings. You only have to drive around on a sunny day to notice that people seem less harassed and more courteous to other drivers on the roads.
“Many callers to Breathing Space are feeling the effects of depression and often find it hard to pinpoint the cause for their low mood. Sometimes the thought of sharing with friends or family can seem such a difficult prospect that people prefer to pretend everything is okay. That’s where the Breathing Space team can help, we have specialist call advisors available every day of the year from 6pm - 2am (0800 83 85 87 - Minicom: 0800 31 71 60).
“Sometimes, just talking to someone and sharing how you feel can be the first step in combating the effects of the winter blues. Call advisors can listen and offer advice, or suggest people who can help with more specific problems in the caller’s local area.”
Breathing Space also launched its new website this month. www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk <http://www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk> aims to provide a unique resource for people experiencing low mood or depression as well as for family members, carers, students, practitioners and anyone interested in improving the mental health and well-being of people in Scotland. The site has been designed to allow users to explore issues under the headings of ‘Your Mood’ and ‘Your Problems’ and offers practical advice and guidance on how to seek help.
Halloween also marks the beginning of a new Breathing Space TV and press campaign aimed at reaching people in remote & rural areas of Scotland. The TV campaign will run on Grampian TV from 31st October until the end 31st December 2005.
Ends
Editor’s Notes:
1. Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone line that anyone in Scotland can call when they are feeling low or depressed. The phone line is available to the public every day from 6pm - 2am on 0800 83 85 87 or Minicom: 0800 31 71 60.
2. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or ‘winter depression’ causes mood changes leaving sufferers experiencing symptoms which may include -fatigue, sleep problems, depression and mood change. Symptoms may start emerging between September and November and continue until March, April or even May.
3. www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk features guidance on a range of issues including Self-Harm, Alcohol/Drugs, Mental Health Conditions, Physical Conditions, Relationships/Sexuality, Discrimination, Abuse, Bereavement, Work/Income, Accommodation/Homelessness, Bullying, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Suicide and Loneliness.
4. In recent years there have been up to around 835 suicides and undetermined deaths per annum in Scotland and nearly 80% of these involve men. In the last 30 years alone the suicide rate in men has increased by 250%, making suicide one of the most common causes of death amongst this group in Scotland.
5. Breathing Space is part of the Scottish Executive’s National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Well-being. Visit www.wellontheweb.net <http://www.wellontheweb.net> for further information.
Further Information:
Geraldine Scott
Breathing Space
Communications & Marketing Assistant
Tel: 0141 435 3901
Mob: 07766 431 953