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Go to P3 Housing
As winter sets in, the days become shorter and there’s less sunlight each day, some people start to feel what’s known as the ‘winter blues’. They find it harder to get going in the mornings and they can often struggle with low motivation, as lack of sunlight can impact some people’s moods and energy levels.
For some people, though, ‘the winter blues’ can mask a decline or temporary dip in mental wellbeing known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a type of seasonal depression that affects an estimated 6% of people in the UK every year and people with SAD experience many of the same symptoms as long-term depression, such as low mood, lack of energy, sleep and appetite changes and loss of interest in daily activities. What makes SAD different is that it follows the seasonal cycle, recurring at the same time each year, often in the winter months when daylight hours are shorter.
At P3 Charity, we support people experiencing the impact of SAD firsthand, and knowing that the winter months can bring unique challenges for the people we support – especially those sleeping on the streets or living on a low income – helps us to tailor our services and approach to ensure everyone is getting the right level of support at the right time.
SAD is a recognised mental health condition linked to reduced sunlight and disrupted body rhythms.
Recognising changes in our mood can help to support our mental health and wellbeing and help to identify what may be contributing to low moods. Symptoms of SAD can include:
The lack of daylight in winter affects our body clocks, hormones and energy levels, which can affect even those without a history of depression.
With fewer hours of sunshine, our brains produce less serotonin (happiness hormone) and more melatonin (sleep hormone), leaving us feeling sluggish, down or even irritable. SAD can complex to treat, as contributing factors can include change of weather and drop in temperature; shorter days and lack of light; disrupted body clock; and vitamin D deficiency.
For many people, SAD can be managed by turning on the heating, maintaining good nutrition, getting access to sunlight and seeking professional help. But for people experiencing homelessness, SAD can be challenging to overcome. With lack of safety, warmth and privacy, the effects of SAD can be exacerbated.
Without stable housing, people face constant exposure to cold and darkness, sleep disruption and exhaustion, and without stability, symptoms of SAD can quickly lead to long-term depression, substance use or even suicidal thoughts.
During winter, P3 Charity’s outreach teams provide immediate help for people living in the cold, supporting them into long-term accommodation and providing emotional and psychological support. We know that poor mental health and homelessness are deeply connected, which means we support people to feel safe, seen and supported before focusing on practical solutions.
Just some of the things our street-outreach teams due include:
If you see someone sleeping rough, you can help by contacting Streetlink via their website. Click here to see a step-by-step guide of how to make an alert.
If you’re experiencing frequent or consistent low moods, speak to your GP or get immediate support by contacting Mind (0300 102 1234), Rethink Mental Illness (0808 801 0525) or Samaritans on 116 123.
Winter can be hard on all of us, but especially for those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here at P3 we provide practical and emotional support for people throughout the year, and your support can ensure we can continue to help those who need it most.
To support us, click the button below.
