County Durham mental health charity tells us about the impact of darker nights
Mental health advice during the shorter days.
A County Durham mental health charity tells us that when the clocks go back it can negatively impact our mental health.
They are encouraging people who are struggling during the darker, winter months to reach out for help and find coping strategies that work for them.
The shorter days cause a lack of vitamin D, which can impact how we are feeling and our mental health.
Matthew Smith, one of the founders of the 'If U Care Share' foundation in Chester-Le-Street, said: "It's a personal thing, but also the science behind it as well. You know, vitamin D is very good for our mental health and as the days and the nights get darker, ultimately we're getting less vitamin D and it can affect us in various different ways.
"Being aware of it is the first thing, but also trying to counterbalance that and trying to think of how you can look after yourself when these things that are outside of our control might impact on us.
"One of the most important things for all of us and what our charity tries to push is the importance of coping strategies and finding out what helps you in difficult times, in dark times. Finding the strategies that help you and finding the strategies that give you that release when you’re feeling low.
"Are you eating the right things? Are you drinking the right things? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you spending enough time with people that are trusted, that you have that connection with in whatever ways or means that you communicate?"