Coming to terms with loss

The end of summertime heralds shorter days, with less daylight hours and typical winter weather. The long winter evenings may affect mood, with some experiencing seasonal affective disorder (Magnusson, 2009), a depressive disorder associated with reduced exposure to sunlight for which professional help should be sought. However, many people who experience a dip in their overall mood can be helped by exposure to as much daylight as possible, not only by taking exercise outside, but by sitting near windows when indoors.

Winter evenings appear longer because they are dark, and this especially affected many older and clinically vulnerable people this past year, as they spent more time alone to maintain social distancing in line with Government guidance. Recent losses will be felt more acutely at times of loneliness, and the pandemic has been the cause of increased mortality rates and unresolved grief, with restrictions associated with funerals and postponement of memorial services or thanksgiving events. Additionally, the return of concerns about circulating viruses, including seasonal influenza, will likely increase feelings of vulnerability again.