Shorter days, colder temperatures and lack of sunlight. Yes, winter is officially here. With it comes Blue Monday, dubbed the “most depressing day of the year.” While the term has been criticized for its lack of scientific foundation and may have originated as part of a marketing campaign, it’s helped bring attention to mental health in the winter months. Research shows this season can bring on seasonal mood struggles, with winter depression linked to reduced exposure to daylight.

“Practically speaking, routine, connection and activity all contribute to one’s well-being and these things tend to be more difficult to engage in during the winter,” said Charan Litt, VP of Operations at Layla Care, a mental health services platform that helps Canadians connect with therapists and receive personalized mental health support.

“There is also a lot of research on the connection between light and mood,” said Litt. “The shift we all experience with our 24-hour clock can affect everyone in different ways.”

The reduction in daylight hours, combined with cold temperatures, often leads to increased isolation as we spend more time indoors, which makes it harder to maintain routines and stay active.

“Every individual is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to addressing low mood,” she said.

There are, however, some common strategies that the Layla Care team recommends for managing seasonal mental health challenges.

“Focus on building a routine that feels sustainable,” said Litt. “Implement opportunities for finding ways to have connections that aren’t just within our homes.”

There is research that light therapy can help, especially for those who experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that impacts mood, behaviour and thoughts. SAD follows a seasonal pattern, hitting hardest during the winter months, with symptoms often beginning in the fall and lasting through spring. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, about 15 per cent of Canadians will report at least a mild case of SAD during their lifetime.

Therapy, such as individual counselling, is another effective way to manage mental health challenges.

“In therapy, clinicians can help with breaking down some of the barriers or struggles, whether they’re emotional, physical or cognitive, that someone is facing, especially in winter months,” said Litt. 

The team at Layla Care also understands the unique mental health challenges faced by entrepreneurs. According to a report by the Business Development Bank of Canada, 45 per cent of entrepreneurs in Canada struggle with their mental health, often due to rising costs, anxiety and difficulty balancing work and life.  The report also highlights a significant rise in the number of entrepreneurs seeking mental health support, with the percentage growing from 21 per cent in February 2022 to 31 per cent in February 2023.

This increase in demand mirrors broader mental health trends across Canada. In 2020, one in five adults reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By early 2021, that number had risen to one in four and it remained steady through 2023.

“Today it’s hard for any Canadian,” said Litt. “There’s a shared experience now across the board because of affordability challenges.”

No matter the mental health challenge, Litt says Layla Care combines a tech-driven format with a human-first approach in everything they do, offering both virtual and in-person therapy.

“The whole experience starts with our client care team, an actual human behind the scenes who’s going to connect with you and speak about what you’re looking for, what are your coping mechanisms today, what you’re struggling with and what you’re looking for in your therapist,” said Litt. “You’re connecting with somebody who’s making you feel heard, providing the human validation we all seek and creating hope for a better future.”

A client care team member also connects with clients to see how therapy is going.

As Layla Care continues to expand its reach, Litt says the team is focused on building stronger community partnerships with a focus on sharing insights and data with practitioners, hosting events and collaborating on important research to push the mental health sector forward while continuing to support those in need.

“Looking for help can be exhausting,” said Litt. “We want to ensure people find the right care when they are ready.”