Why Do 1 in 5 Canadians Feel Like Different People Between November and March?
Have you ever experienced a sense of being diminished by winter? Does something inside you also dim when the clocks fall back and the days shrink? You’re not alone. Many Canadians feel a sense of winter blues and sad emotions during this seasonal shift. For many, the transition from autumn to winter isn’t just about swapping sandals for snow boots—it’s a mental and emotional battle.
I remember my first brutal Ontario winter after moving from Mumbai. The excitement of snow quickly faded when, by January, I couldn’t muster the energy to leave my apartment. My morning coffee ritual turned into endless snoozing, and my usual love for writing felt like wading through molasses. I blamed it on the cold until my doctor asked, “Have you heard of winter blues or SAD?”
Turns out, I wasn’t just “lazy”—I was experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression tied to light deprivation. And if you’ve ever felt the same, this isn’t just “winter blues”—it’s a real, diagnosable condition affecting nearly 15% of Canadians, especially in northern provinces like Alberta and BC, where daylight vanishes early.
“I Stopped Skating on the Rideau Canal—Winter Blues SAD”
Sarah, an Ottawa teacher, loved winter. Every year, she’d lace up her skates the moment the Rideau Canal froze over. But two winters ago, something shifted.
“I just… stopped going,” she told me. “At first, I told myself I was busy. Then I realized—I wasn’t just skipping skating. I was avoiding everything. I was avoiding friends, hobbies, and even sunlight. I’d come home, draw the blinds, and sleep at 5 PM.”
Sarah’s story isn’t unusual. Winter blues, or SAD, creeps in subtly. Maybe you cancel plans more often. Maybe your energy crashes by 3 PM. Or maybe, like me, you start questioning why everything feels harder between November and March.
Is It Just Winter Blues… Or could winter blues be SAD?
Not everyone who dreads winter has SAD. The “winter blues” are real—shorter days can make anyone feel sluggish. But seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is different. Here’s how to tell:
Winter Blues (Mild):
✔️ Feeling a bit low on grey days
✔️ Missing summer activities
✔️ Mild fatigue, but still functional
SAD (Clinical Seasonal Depression): Winter Blues SAD
🔴 Persistent sadness or hopelessness (lasting weeks)
🔴 Extreme fatigue, no matter how much you sleep
🔴 Weight gain & cravings (especially carbs)
🔴 Social withdrawal (cancelling plans, isolating)
🔴 Loss of interest in hobbies (like Sarah’s skating)
If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re not weak—you’re likely starved of sunlight. Canada’s northern latitude means we get less than 8 hours of daylight in winter, disrupting serotonin and melatonin levels.
“I Tried Light Therapy—Here’s What Happened”
When my doctor suggested light therapy, I was skeptical. I was skeptical about the idea of sitting in front of a lamp. Really?
But CAMH (Center for Addiction and Mental Health) confirms that light therapy is 60–80% effective for SAD, especially in northern climates where winter darkness lingers. I bought an OHIP-covered 10,000-lux lightbox and used it every morning while eating breakfast.
Within a week, my 3 PM energy crashes lessened. By week three, I was able to write again without experiencing mental fog.
Other Canadian-Approved Solutions: Winter Blues SAD
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Vitamin D supplements (Health Canada recommends 1000-2000 IU/day in winter)
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Dawn simulators (alarm clocks that mimic sunrise—great for Edmonton’s late sunrises)
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Winter walks in daylight (even 20 minutes helps—yes, even in -20°C!)
“I Wish I’d Known Sooner” (A Vancouver Mom’s Story)
Priya, a Vancouver mom, spent three winters thinking her exhaustion was just “parenting burnout.”
“I would lash out at my kids, followed by sobbing in the shower.” I thought I was failing,” she shared. It wasn’t until her doctor screened her for winter blues or SAD that she realized the connection.
Now, she uses a light therapy lamp during school drop-offs and takes Vitamin D (which 40% of Canadians are deficient in). “I didn’t need to try harder—I needed the right tools,” she says.
Take the 2-Minute Canadian SAD Symptoms Quiz
Could you have winter blues or SAD? Ask yourself:
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Do you feel significantly worse in the winter than in the summer?
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Do you sleep more but still feel exhausted?
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Have you lost interest in things you usually enjoy?
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Do you crave carbs and gain weight in winter?
If you answered yes to most, consider talking to a doctor. Many BC and Ontario mental health clinics offer free SAD screenings.
Final Thought: Winter Doesn’t Have to Break You – Winter Blues SAD
For years, I thought my winHowever, it’s important to note that winter blues or SAD are treatable conditions.ntence—it’s a treatable condition. Small changes, such as light therapy, vitamin D, or simply giving yourself permission to rest, can make winter feel less overwhelming.
So tell me—have you ever felt winter change you? Let’s talk about it in the comments. And if this essay resonated, share it with someone who might need a little extra light this season. ❄️💙
FAQs About Winter Blues or SAD in Canada
Q: Is SAD covered under OHIP?
A: Yes! Prescriptions often cover light therapy lamps. Check your provincial health plan.
Q: Can kids get SAD?
A: Absolutely. If your child is more irritable or worn out in winter, talk to a pediatrician.
Q: What’s the best light therapy lamp for Canadians?
A: Look for 10,000 lux models (CAMH recommends brands like Northern Light Technologies).
Q: Does SAD go away in spring?
A: For most people, the answer is yes—but don’t wait to seek help until then. Early treatment helps!
