According to results of a survey by SKDS, only 3% of interviewed residents in Latvia are happy about days becoming shorter. Every second Latvian resident, on the other hand, suffers from depressed mood.
In November 2022 SKDS organised a survey. 1 005 Latvian residents aged 18 to 75 years participated. Results indicate that older residents – 55 to 63 years of age, as well as 60% of residents aged 18 to 25 years feel emotionally depressed in the autumn-winter season.
However, it is important to stress that 36% of Latvian residents feel good or very good this autumn season. Residents are positive the most in Kurzeme (42%), Zemgale (41%) and Vidzeme (37%). In Riga, on the other hand, 33% of respondents mentioned they feel good. In Latgale this response was given by only 30% of interviewed residents.
According to psychotherapist and Olanfarm JSC Work Productivity Office lead Aldis Miglinieks, the lasting Covid-19 pandemic, Russian-Ukrainian war, as well as increasing energy resource prices all affect people’s mood, adding that this autumn season it is important to pay attention to people’s mood.
«We are not safe from crises, but it is important to understand how best to provide psychological support and notice if something is wrong with people, so that we can help improve their mood.»
«We can influence many problems with medicines. Vitamins can help as well, but it’s more important to take care of ourselves,» said Miglenieks.
The psychotherapist explains that if a person is seen depressed, unhappy, powerless, constantly angry, and unable to perform everyday duties, other people should not ignore this. People are encouraged to provide support to their fellow man – encourage people to go out more, enjoy the weather, etc. Residents should not hesitate with turning to professional psychological assistance, said the expert.