OUR BEAT THE WINTER BLUES CAMPAIGN IS LIVE!

We are running a new Beat The Winter Blues campaign aimed at helping people who use our services, as well as the wider public, through the darkest depths of winter. Research* has highlighted the particular problems associated with depression around Christmas, especially in groups who have substance misuse issues. To help people battle through winter we will be promoting #BeatTheWinterBlues. Mark Vidgen, Operations Director at North Yorkshire Horizons said: “We know that short days and long, dark nights of winter can have a negative effect on people’s mind-sets. We are hoping these suggestions for overcoming the winter blues will help people get over any self-defeating thoughts and feel good through the winter”. A selection of new posters and social media messages have been developed and circulated so users of our services can easily see and understand these messages. The aim to enhance awareness on how to beat the blues this winter, with themes ranging from friendship, health and leisure. Staff and service users are also being encouraged to share their own ideas on how to stave of the blue on social media accounts using the hashtag #BeatTheWinterBlues. *Leo Sher, Alcoholism and seasonal affective disorder, Comprehensive Psychiatry