Winter Depression in Sweden and the Nordics

[@Claude_van]

What helps me is eating herring, spicy hot food, fresh vegetables, hot baths, and walking at least an hour outside every day, even in darkness. Forests are best. Sports like cross country skiing, going into the sun as often as possible. Or traveling to the Canary Islands. This helps me in Germany, but I know, Swedish days are at least 2 hours shorter. But we feel it here, too.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

My sympathies! But yeah those are good tips. Especially the one about going to the Canary islands 😀

[@merc340sr]

Agree that outdoor sports are a good solution. The difficulty is just getting started, getting UP and start getting dressed to go out in the cold...sometimes I'm so depressed I can't even get out of bed...

[@FedorSTR]

You're must be kidding me. You are in depression in Germany. OMG! Germany is Heaven on Earth. You live like an angel. But we're talking seriously yeah the main problem of Nordic countries is lack of sun light. The best example of how your mood depends on a sun light drastically is Brazil. The bunch of people there are extremely poor and even worse but sufficiency or excess of sun light help people to feel happy. If you be so poor in Sweden you would execute cuicide soon. So my suggestion is move for a while to any country with sunny climate. Your mental state will improve certainly.

[@FedorSTR]

​@@merc340srYou do have just One Life! Do not blow it miserably. Get your shit together and go to I joy it. It is an order😊!

[@whatsupsweden]

You didn't ruin my day, you made my day! This is exactly how I usually describe Swedish winters to people from other countries. Now I can just send them your video! 😂😂👌🏻👌🏻

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha, that's perfect! Happy to shed some light (or rather, the lack thereof) on the topic :D

[@Swedaintmyparadise]

This darkness in Sweden has eaten me for years! I have no energy what s ever. The tiny few hour there is lighter the sky is blocked by thick gray dark heavy clouds. No sky is visible more than 4 hours a month.

[@jenmorricone4014]

Your sense of humor ("sounds a little bit like Christmas in general 😂..." ) is such a lovely addition to your already fab videos. Thank you for tackling a difficult subject in such a thoughtful way.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Thank you! It was a bit of a gamble, if a topic like this would work out or not - but I'm happy that you found it interesting! Cheers! :D

[@DikWhite]

The perpetual darkness would get me down too. I guess one way that I'd try to overcome winter depression would be to exercise in a gym to elevate the feeling of well being, also a good way to socialise with other people. Thanks for discussing this issue, I hope you are not debilitated by seasonal affective disorder. Season's greetings to you.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Yeah exercise works and finding things to do in general! Haha I had a really shitty November actually but that doesn't matter - now I'm on the road again 😀

[@julesverneinoz]

@@ThreeStarVagabond I mentioned in another comment that I originally was from SEA (on the equator). After I moved to Melbourne, I had to take vitamin D supplements regularly and I was researching where to buy vitamin D for my trip to Sweden (because I don't want to get in trouble taking 'medicine' from Australia). I also looked up a gym in Stockholm for regular exercise, but it appears most requires memberships. I guess I'll just have to make do with what I can find when I get there. Thank you for this informative video and I hope you keep your spirits up.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@julesverneinoz Oh yeah that's true! Hm.. You can find vitamin D easily in a regular drugstore here, but gym memberships are a bit of a hassle! Some gyms have like a week or so you can try it out for. In theory, you could do that with a couple of different gyms. Or if you're at a hotel they might have a gym? Thanks for checking out the videos! Just happy to help :D

[@nathanpattee1629]

I imagine that having to work indoors like the majority do in Sweden,that the people miss all the sunlight or" light" that there is. Im sending a hug my friend from South Chile. Take care.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Exactly, I think that's one of the tough things over here. But thank you so much, and belated Merry Christmas!

[@pkharper3525]

It’s very interesting, our friends in Bromma say they have to find a lot of indoor sports to do in the winter and go skiing during the weekends to combat the dark. Here. In the USA Alaska has the highest suicide rate they say it’s from a mixture of poverty and constant darkness. I wish the best for all the depressed people, the light will return.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I guess it's the same for all people living up in the north, really. But well put! There's always light at the end of the tunnel. As long as it's not an oncoming train, it's all good 😀

[@heartquaked]

Great video :) I have not been to Sweden but I live in the Pacific Northwest in the USA so it's dark and gloomy and rainy from October until Spring. I am trying to learn more about how the Swedes cope with it. Thank you!!

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

It sounds like you're having quite nasty autumns as well then! It's actually pretty hard to cope with - people are noticeable more grumpy over here, and many people get a bit depressed. It's not a bad depression, but everything just starts to lack joy and meaning...

[@MichaelMinneboo]

Great video. Lovely footage and interesting facts.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Thank you, much appreciated! Worth freezing half to death for then 😂

[@MichaelMinneboo]

@@ThreeStarVagabond Haha. Well it looked pretty chilly!

[@lindasimson7790]

Lots of love too you swedes, Merry Christmas from Scotland, keep yourself safe, love Linda xxx

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Thank you for those kind words! I'm sure many people all over the world have a hard time, especially these days, so let's spread those well wishes to every country! 😊

[@cathyalvarez8143]

Your so smart .thank you so much

[@Redrooster0007]

Really interesting video. I’ve been through my fair share of depression in the past. Through a lot of help and reevaluation of my circumstances I turned it around. I now have a much more positive outlook and coupled with my love of travel I now consider myself lucky to see some of the worlds wonderful and not so wonderful places. Anyway, have a great Christmas and New Year Miro. You truly are an inspiration. 👍🏻🍺🎄

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Wow thank you! And yeah it does feel a bit unusual to discuss something more serious like this, but it felt like an important thing that affects many people. Glad to hear that you turned things around - maybe we can say that travel is a panacea in general? 😂

[@trevorhale6386]

And another thing, the more of your videos I watch the more I love the Swedish people, I think I would fit in nicely there

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Oh, that's really interesting! People say that Swedes are a bit introverted, and I think that's true. They say we're a bit like Canadians, Japanese or Minnesotans, to some degree...

[@juliantroyvevang1036]

Very educational video it's very true .This is the reality of life in Europe especially me coming from tropical land .

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Sorry that you're struggling with the cold and the dark! The winters are really harsh in many way - but at least it's getting lighter now..

[@Mamoftwins]

For me it’s the opposite in the winter I feel more happy and active when just I listen the sound of rain 💆🏼‍♀️🌨☔️💧😍

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha! Lucky you then, right? 😀

[@marwajassim4446]

Do you work?

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@marwajassim4446 Yeah absolutely. My day job keeps me in an office all day.

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Same here in Washington state/PNW.

[@marbayreviewstravelfood7623]

Great information and video! ❤

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Thank you! :D

[@Calm_And_Peace_]

I honestly cannot take it any more… I cannot deal… I wish all the best to people in Sweden.. but this is the main reason I am leaving after so many years…

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Don't leave me here! Take me with you!!!

[@Calm_And_Peace_]

@@ThreeStarVagabond :) I loved Sweden that is why I lived here for so many years... But I unfortunately could not adapt. Perhaps people born and raised here are somehow immuned .. and can deal with winter better ... Thanks for the nice video...Wishing you all the best,

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I think it is easier for native people actually. Unfortunately! But thank you, and all the best to you too! 😊

[@dixonhill1108]

Some of it is related to lifestyle. Winter sports are not a niche thing in northern climates they're a requirement. I look forward to watching ice hockey all summer long, love snowshoeing etc. If you can't embrace winter you're gonna hate it.

[@Dips755]

Winter is amazing!! But it can also get to you when you come from a warm country

[@urskrik6353]

The worst part, is the mud in combination with +1 Celcius medium but CONSTANT winds. This type of weather in combination with lack of sun makes you very prone to sickness even if you have strong immune defense. This winter and autumn have been just this... Litarilly 6 months of darkness, mud and +1 Celcius constant medium winds. I cannot wait for spring man...

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Yes! I agree! I'm normally not sick very often but it feels like I've had a cold half of 2023 so far. And now it's getting colder again... I really hope that spring is going to be warm, and that it'll come soon...

[@urskrik6353]

@@ThreeStarVagabond Låt oss be för bra väder nu, vi förtjänar fanimej bättre xD

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@urskrik6353 Men icke! Nu kommer snö och kyla...igen!

[@trevorhale6386]

Another great video, I am visiting in February but have now decided to jump off the nearest bridge after watching your video 😂.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

February? I wonder if you're hoping for cold and snow, or cold and rain then. It's going to be good bridge-jumping weather either way by then! ;D

[@larsberggard4644]

February? mmm. If you are not in the very south of the country, there is ice on the water and you will kill yourself.

[@siobhanduncan2156]

Excellent video. Took me 2 years after moving from Australia to Scotland to realise I had SAD and found taking a vitamin D supplement really helped. Holidays in a hot, sunny climate for 3 weeks and a tan also helped when possible. I never really appreciated why winter Sun holidays were so important until I lived in UK & Ireland. You can get SAD lightboxes but they can get pretty expensive.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Yeah, a colleague from India explained it pretty well to me the other day: if he doesn't take vitamin D he feels completely crap, but if he takes it life becomes bearable even if it still sucks 😊 But thank you! Glad to hear that you found the secret vitamin D too!

[@sapientum8]

Scotland literally means "The land of darkness"

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@sapientum8 What! That's so cool - I had no idea 😀

[@sapientum8]

​@@ThreeStarVagabond It comes from Greek word "σκοτάδι" or "σκότος" (skotos, dark). Apparently, several thousand years ago some Greek voyagers have made a journey from Mediterranean Sea all the way to Shetland and Faroe islands, and during that time in the extreme North their journey was in darkness, so that's how they called this land.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@sapientum8 Thanks - that's definitely a fact I need to remember 😀

[@Hispandinavian]

I´m going to Sweden in Winter. I already live in a tropical environment so I´m not missing anything. Winter is not that bad as long as you know how to dress for it. After I do my meet and greets and get some good Nordic culture in, I´m heading to Japan. I want to be in Hokkaido when it´s snowing.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

That sounds absolutely lovely! I can imagine that Hokkaido is amazing in winter. Hope you get to see the Sapporo snow festival! And I hope you'll enjoy wintery Sweden before that - let's just hope that we have a white winter this year :D

[@Hispandinavian]

@@ThreeStarVagabond I'm not leaving without a Dalahäst.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@Hispandinavian "This horse is coming with ME!" Just make sure you find a nice Dalahäst that wants to be abducted to a foreign land

[@libyanvet]

thank you

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Thank you right back! 😀

[@mozartamadeus1580]

This is why I don’t want to move back even though my family lives there :/

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

It's tough during the winters... But on the flip side, it's really nice now when spring is here!

[@cosminpopa8208]

i want to work in sweden and learn the language and norse myths amazing language very beautiful, if english is boring, and romance languages are too beautiful, sweden is fresh breath for linguists or billinguals

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Oh that's cool! And yeah the language definitely is a bit different - even if it has influences from both English and Romance languages. So it's not completely unfamiliar either!

[@Peter_Stockholm]

I moved to Sweden, a decade ago, BECOUSE I really, really like and prefer dark, windy, cold, rainy/snowy, freezing climate, complete opposite to climate in my home country. I wonder, what is the name of this illness I "suffer" from in that case?

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

You're a rare breed, but you're in luck in that case 😀 Good for you - I will always prefer sun and heat myself!

[@elenasingleterry5854]

Interesting. I don't know if I would prefer having no sunlight for months at a time, but otherwise I too prefer winter and Fall, little sun, and brisk, cool weather. There is something magical in it, it's not "earnest" the way sunny Summer days are. It's intruiguing.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@elenasingleterry5854 People are different I guess! But I think it's the chemical side of it that really gets people in Sweden down after a while (i.e, not enough vitamin D), even if tastes differ...

[@niladrisaha6024]

You are suffering from Dark Devil symptom.

[@MohammadHosseinHeidari]

Why the Scandinavian countries are happiest and use the most antidepressant? Please help me to know!!

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I think Scandinavian people are happy as in satisfied with what they have...but they're depressed because of the darkness in winters!

[@RedWolfenstein]

Oddly I never had seasonal depression and I grew up in a climate very similar to Swedens if anything where I live now I get in the summer where I live now.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Was it as dark in winter over there? I think it's the darkness that really does it

[@RedWolfenstein]

@@ThreeStarVagabond Same photo period as Stockholm.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@RedWolfenstein Oh I see! Well fair enough - people are different after all

[@mirm0n]

I take anti depressant medication and I live in Egypt which is mostly sunny year round. Do you think Sweden would be tough for me?

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Hmm.. It might actually be a bit tough. Partly because of the darkness, but possibly also from a "colder" people. We're less social, less warm and welcoming - that might make it difficult for many unfortunately :/

[@brigidspencer5123]

Used to volunteer at our local Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention Centre many years ago. Don’t they have these types of services in Sweden? When I visited Iceland in during the Christmas season several years ago we were told that alcoholism was very common in Iceland. We saw many Alcoholics Anonymous posters taped to the lampposts advertising local meetings. We were also told that Iceland had the most authors in the world due to the long, dark winters. One of my favourite authors is an Icelandic named Yrsa . They frequently write Nordic Noir and listen to Bjork. Iceland was nice but I like trees.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I've never been to Iceland, but that's really inspiring to hear. It sounds very intriguing and a bit mystical even. But yeah, I think there are prevention hotlines and things like that, but (as in all countries) there's a lot of stigma about depression and suicide so I guess it's hard to reach people.

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Merry Christmas to all ♦️

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

And a Happy New Year! Soon at least 😊

[@TrivikramChausalkar-ye3dx]

How to contact you? I have a point of view on dealing with this situation.

[@chrismartin1539]

Interesting. The cold and dark winters are not my thing as I live in a tropical country. Good information though on the challenges facing Sweden and similar countries during winter.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

I'm sure there are plenty of other weather related issues with living in a tropical climate, but personally I love visiting places like that. I really shouldn't be spending my winters here in the cold north!

[@limpanuzz]

the winter is comming. sweden speaking :D

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Summer is JUST here, so let's not talk about winter just yet :D

[@ruthnoronha8206]

No matter how much social benefits and social well being. Loneliness is in their mind and way of life. I know those things are hard to change but it might be a necessity. The idea of being brash, and not liking small talk which is important for breaking the ice ( alcohol free) is a way. It’s the littlest of investments for a initial meeting. Yes I know you guys don’t like the ‘American’ over zealous energy ( too much) but that’s how they are. On one hand you seem open minded and on the other suer judgemental. Loosen up a bit ( no alcohol) , feel and act on how you feel. Being really in touch with your emotions, that needs to be taught in school. Change the way that’s not working.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Easier said than done, but those are some good tips I think! I think there's room for Swedes to have a bit more energy and still keep the Swedish mentality. Maybe that would help us get through the cold winter... Oh well, winter is coming once more now, so best prepare...

[@Ginger_on_paws146]

I live in the Nordics ( Finland)

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Well, at least you live in the happiest country in the world, according to the ranking...

[@andreibarbu7492]

I moved to Stockholm in November, so during the "dark" season, I almost didn't notice it until someone pointed it out. I saw the difference in northern Sweden but it just felt unusual and needed a bit of mental adjustment. Nothing bad actually. I guess I'm lucky. I take vitamin D though. It's also much warmer than I expected. Maybe too warm.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Nice ro hear! And it's been a very warm winter so far - but the biggest snowfall typically comes in January/ February, so we'll see...

[@merc340sr]

I live in Ottawa, Canada, not a very high latitude. But I stll get depressed in winter. Darkness in Sweden must be hell! (99% of Finland is above 60 degrees in latitude.)

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

It's rough! Everyone gets at the very least grumpy and testy - and many get some form of depression as well of course. I can't even imagine how it is in northern Finland...

[@merc340sr]

@@ThreeStarVagabond Thanks for your reply. Cheers!

[@FinSliparen]

Yes it's important to take some sort of vitamin D-supplements in the winter, especially if you are not a native swede. But i'd have to say that the cold is the worst about winter here. Not looking forward to january/february...

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Agreed! But at least by now we're moving into less dark days (Dec 21 is the winter solstice). So we'll try to get through one more winter!

[@sugoidessho]

It's the same in the UK. Long, dark, cold winters from October to March but it's the endless rain, damp, lack of sun and grey skies that will do your head in. How do Brits cope? Getting drunk in pubs every night to numb the reality of it all, compounded by covid and the rising cost of lving. Or flying south to the sun to get away from all the doom and gloom :)

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha, drinking is probably the only common cure in every country! I opted for the flee-south-solution this winter...but it's pretty grey in Hanoi right now...

[@dixonhill1108]

Not getting ice and snow makes that way way easier.

[@fazilasamardzic7368]

Is this the normal amount of snow you get there??

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

It depends completely! Some years it's plenty, some years nothing. And also depends on if it's up north or in the south

[@thelionsclub4912]

You must live in a rural Area and buy a Hottube for the garden.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha! Hot tub and beer solves most problems eh?

[@thelionsclub4912]

@@ThreeStarVagabond m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmLUkGZnos2Si5Y

[@MiddleLane658]

The only thing worse than our weather is our people. When winter depression hits you are simply not allowed by others to have a good day. Everybody want to bring each other down and you can tell how grinded they get when you simply won’t let them and instead keeping your spirit up. Instead of expecting manners and various friendly encounters you get your share of smalltalk on social media where Swedes have the specific need to argue over politics and infrastructure like a bunch of equally hostile political fanatics. It’s frustrating how difficult it is trying to get something out of this worth living for when you simply won’t. And there’s no need trying to enlighten Swedes about this because all they would counter with are statics telling us how ”happy” we are. I think for many people, clueless if you will, Sweden could be great because of low sense of their own self. But for many which despite everything believe in individualism and to live your life according to your own presets Sweden can feel extremely suffocating though you will be presented with verbal mind games by others which lure you to conclude that you are in the wrong for being different.

[@angeurbain6129]

Interesting video. Cities are far less interesting to visit when it is dark abd cold at the end of the afternoon

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

So true! Haha, I was struggling to find some semi-interesting places to film this since it was so dark

[@angeurbain6129]

@@ThreeStarVagabond I just imagine how it would have been nice to visit Copnehaguen with the sun going down at 0 o'clock in the evening and a warm weather. And everybody being out near the water until late at night.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@angeurbain6129 So very true! Copenhagen is gorgeous in summer, especially around Nyhavn 😀

[@realhawaii5o]

Good thing we don't have this in Estonia. We are depressed all year round. 🙃

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

Haha! That's one way to solve it. Constant depression and booze 😊

[@kbolt1000]

What is this..lol..? I'm 65, lived my whole life in Sweden, maybe this is a big city problem, in the countryside there are probably more people who look forward to winter than those who have problems with winter, of course there are "boring winters" that's why we need the white snow to light up, sure it's dark most of the day but clear cold night with snow and full moon is almost like daylight only a little more magical with its shadows. I think it's wrong to blame a season that today's stress society is guilty of..just my opinion and winter lovers..

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

"Me and my friends don't suffer from this, so it's not something that happens in Sweden". Interestingly enough, this is the same argument I (erroneously) use when I say that Sweden is safe...because I never see any of the unsafe parts.

[@kbolt1000]

@@ThreeStarVagabond What I mean is that we have a whole generation that has forgotten to learn to live from the elders in the north, a production society that has made us not have time to learn and take from the elders, but more like keep up or go under type, creates stress. When you count statistics, it is also confirmed that most of the people who have the problems you describe are immigrants who do not have it in their genes like those who lived for generations in the north.

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

@@kbolt1000 Thanks for the clarification! Alright, there's definitely a lot of truth to that. Sorry for going on a tangent, but I wonder if something similar will happen with other Nordic traits (like lactose tolerance etc). Will newer generations lose that as well, along with the possibility to handle the winters...? Just a random thought, if this can be applied to other things...

[@darioberki4569]

they may have very high standard of living, but the weather sucks and the people are as cold as their winter

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

A good summary!

[@Aluzard]

this must be a stockholmer or a 08 thing.. "real" swedes that live in the country side don't get depressed we get even on depression and viking it up.

[@dimabrinza]

they need some psychedelics !

[@ThreeStarVagabond]

We all do! 😀

[@dethray1000]

magic mushrooms...

[@cathyalvarez8143]

Your so smart .thank you so much