New year blues
Download (PDF 4.76 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Oldham wanted to understand people’s mental health problems during the winter months. They undertook a survey to which 49 people responded.
Two thirds of those who responded felt their mental health was particularly affected during the winter. The report explores how people felt their mental health was impacted. Just over half had spoken to their friends and family about this. Of those that didn’t, over 2 in 5 said they preferred to sort out things themselves. Activities that people did to make themselves feel better included going for a walk, exercise and spending time with friends and family.
Under a third had received a formal diagnosis of their mental health. Of these over 2 in 5 were receiving medication and just under a third counselling. A wide range of issues had caused them stress in the last 12 months, including responsibilities at work and their health. In the last 12 months, a quarter had overeaten and a further quarter had had a sedentary lifestyle. People undertook a wide range of activities to keep fit and healthy.
There were no recommendations.