How to beat back the Swedish winter blues
Published: 20 Dec 11 11:37 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/38050/20111220/
As Swedes struggle through the shortest days of the year, contributor Alec Forss offers up a few tips on how to survive the dark depths of winter in Sweden.
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And it’s dark. Very dark.
It's at this time of year that some of us begin to wonder, with some justification, why on earth we live in Sweden.
Living in northern latitudes means that, by mid-December, there is approximately two hours' less light in Stockholm compared to, say, London or Brussels.
But if you think the light situation in the capital or the south of Sweden is bad, spare a thought for the very far north of the country where, above the Arctic Circle, residents may not see the sun for two months.
The winter gloom can be hard to deal with – for Swedes and foreigners alike.
Click here to have a look at a few ways to help keep the mid-winter blues at bay.
Experts calculate that up to one in five of the Swedish population suffers – in varying degrees – from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), linked to the absence of sufficient sunlight.
The symptoms include depression, listlessness and general inertia – a feeling of being considerably more tired – and grumpy – than usual.
Other indicators may include a diminished sex drive and disturbed appetite.
And while incurable optimists genetically predisposed to year-round cheerfulness might laugh at us “SAD-dies”, it is recognized as a genuine medical condition, which may also be further aggravated by stress and can be hereditary.
But don't despair, there are steps we can take to help us cope with so-called vinterdepression.
External link: Tips for surviving the Swedish winter blues »
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
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Looking forward to that warm and sunny break from the cold dark winter makes it all bearable...
Beats days of extreme heat back home down under in Adelaide like the forecast for 36c on this coming christmas day! Not nice at all.
During the winter you should try to see daylight *without* sunglasses as much as possible.
I found you have a great ability to cope, surrounded by friends, strong coffee (from Louisiana I love it), and stronger spirits (see Louisiana)! I am now back home where it's 23 degrees Celcius, with the sun high in the sky, remembering my marvelous days in Sweden.