SAD lamps flying off shelves in Winnipeg after 10-day cloudy stretch
Mood disorder agency offers tips to combat blues during gloomy weather
"People are more prone to depressive episodes during [bad weather] so that's usually what we're combating," said Adam Milne, with the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba. "I would say half the people have a noticeable difference in their energy levels when it gets this gloomy and cold."
Milne said many Winnipeggers have been coming in to rent Seasonal Affective Disorder lamps in recent weeks.
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"A SAD lamp is a small lamp you can get that provides 10,000 lux [units of illuminance], a light similar to a tanning lamp, except without the UV rays," said Milne. "Some people use it from November until April. Some people use it periodically when it gets darker for a couple of weeks."
"It simulates the sun, so it makes your body thinks it's the morning, and it's daytime," he said. "It also provides Vitamin D through that. We absorb it through our skin, and it makes your body think it's sunny in the middle of the day'
Milne recommends people try to get out into the sun when they can.
"Take advantage of the sun you do get. If there is sun in the middle of the day, go outside in that. Find a reason to walk around, around morning or lunch time is usually best to keep your energy levels at a higher rate. Increase your vitamin D consumption. Either vitamins or fortified milk," he said.
The clinic also offers peer support to people who need it.
"If you need someone to talk to you can come in, call or come to a support group that we offer," he said.
There is some natural relief on the way though; Sunny skies are in the forecast for Saturday, according to CBC meteorologist John Sauder.