How to survive in the dark winters in Norway

One very important element of how Norwegians survive the darkness is their awareness of Winter SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). SAD is a Winter depression that effects especially those living in the Nordic countries. Winter depression was actually discovered in the 6th century by the gothic scholar Jordanes from his study of Scandza (Scandinavia).

Winter SAD is caused by a biochemical imbalance because of lack of sunlight. The main symptoms are tiredness and oversleeping, fatigue, a craving for sugary foods, feelings of sadness, guilt and a loss of self-esteem, irritability, and avoiding social and physical contact. Norwegians are taught about this disorder in daily life, from family, in schools and by the government through TV campaigns. Awareness is key but the best remedy is that Norwegians have made preventing Winter SAD a way of life.

It is a well known fact that Cod Liver Oil helps your body to soak up the goodness of the sunlight. Cod liver oil has a lot of good omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and vitamin D. Even though Norwegians eat a lot of fish products, it is normal for children and adults to have a spoonful of cod liver oil every day of the year. This is one of the things that child health centres teach new mothers. At your one-year-old’s check up with the Jordmor (midwife) information is given about the value of cod liver oil to growing bodies. (We were even given a large bottle of oil to take home.) Photo: Hasvik kommune