I am caring for my husband who has severe and enduring mental health illness. During the dark winter months his mental health spirals downwards and this impacts on me and I have found that I have become of low mood myself.
If there is a significant change in someone’s mood and behaviour when the seasons, they may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In most cases, SAD symptoms start in late autumn, early winter and start to alleviate during the spring and summer months. This is often referred to as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. Anyone who feels they may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, should contact their GP in the first instance.
For most of us the autumn and winter months will either be a source of joy (yes, some people love the shorter days, shutting the curtains and snuggling up with a good book or their favourite TV programmes), or something to be endured until the days get lighter, longer and warmer.
The chances are that if you are a busy Family Carer you will feel like you have less time to complete all of your tasks and that there is no time left at the end of the day for you.
Here are some things you can do to enhance your wellbeing in the winter months:
Exercise – Physical activity is important for your mental and physical wellbeing. Even if you can’t go outside, you can find indoor activities to keep moving.
Eat well – A healthy diet can improve your mood and physical health. You can also try to improve your gut health.
Get vaccinated – You can get vaccinated to help reduce your risk from respiratory illnesses. This is especially important if you have long-term health conditions.
Sleep well – Make the most of early evenings to rest and recharge.
Stay connected – Social connection is important for mental health. Spending time with family and friends can help you feel better.
Keep to a routine – Try to eat regular meals at the same time and go to bed at the same time.
Get outside – Try to get outside for at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. If you can, walk in a green space.
Relax and unwind – Find what works for you, whether that’s relaxation breathing, caring for your plants, or going for a run.
How can we help?
1:1 Support – You may like to contact Suffolk Family Carers SAGES Service. Our SAGES workers offer advice, guidance and emotional support. You are able to talk in depth about your caring role to an empathetic, non-judgmental listener. This may help you to offload emotionally, and help you to feel more motivated to spend quality time with your family and friends.
Peer Support – You may also like to attend the Making Time …. Mental Health Family Carers Support Group. This is an opportunity to connect with others in a similar caring role. The group meets once a month and allows Family Carers to come together to share experiences and ideas. This can be done by taking part in an activity or just sitting and chatting with those that really understand the impact of caring for someone with mental health illness. If you would like further information, please follow the link to our website Mental Health Peer Support Group – Suffolk Family Carers or contact us by email on MH@suffolkfamilycarers.org
Suffolk Family Carers Workshops – You may also like to attend a workshop facilitated by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Service team. Further details can be found on the Suffolk Family Carers website. Telephone enquiries should be made by calling 01473 835477.
Carers Assessments – you may like to refer to Customer First for a Carers Assessment. A Carer’s Assessment is your chance to let Suffolk County Council know how your caring role affects you physically and emotionally. This may also help you to recognise your unmet needs with an opportunity to explore solutions on how those needs can be met to better balance your own needs with those of your caring role and take care of your own wellbeing. Please follow the link below for more information or call Customer First on 0808 800 4005.
Additional Support
Carers UK website – A very user friendly website with information around financial support and other caring related issues.
Wellbeing Suffolk – If you feel your own Mental Health is being significantly affected, you can refer yourself to Suffolk Wellbeing for support. They can also offer specialised support with navigating your employment around your role and offer 1-1 appointments as well as a variety of workshops.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau – Your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau can offer free and impartial advice with regards to finances, as well as offering other support such as help with energy bills.
Suffolk Libraries – Your local library offers much more than a service for the borrowing and reading of books. Libraries have become information hubs. If there is something going on in your community, it’s very likely that your local library has all the details. Many of our Suffolk Libraries offer warm spaces for you to meet with others, sit and relax or spend some quiet time.
