As the growing darkness descends upon Lund, Justin Chan contemplates suicide…and its curious relationship with Sweden.
Two seemingly contradicting descriptions you might hear about Swedish people are their high levels of happiness, and their propensity for suicide.
Some might take this contradiction to mean that Swedes are really less happy than they seem. That would be the cynical perspective. From the opposite point of view, it is remarkable that the suicide rate is not higher.
After all, this time of year gives plenty of reasons to be unhappy. Without the luxuries of supermarkets and indoor heating which exist today, who knows how freezing, impoverished Swedes kept their spirits up 200 years ago.
So how do locals endure the long winter year after year? Two powerful antidotes to the winter depression come strongly to mind, the first of which being mere human contact.
Take, for example, the “julbak” (Christmas baking), which is a popular activity among friends this time of year. Pleasant as this tradition is, nothing about baking is essentially wintry. It can be done year round, and yet the idea of spring or autumn-baking sounds less familiar.
Perhaps beyond the heavenly aroma of fresh saffron buns (lussekatter), Christmas baking is popular because it gives people what they truly desire this time of year: friendly company.
In addition to friends, exercise does wonders for our mood. If not for wondrous indoor gyms, we would likely sit indoors all winter stuffing our faces with pastries. Anyone who has actually done this can attest to the feelings of regret and worthlessness which follow.
So, match every cake with a vigorous aerobics class. The endorphins which accompany good exercise are our body’s best defense against low spirits.
Of course, visits to friends and the gym sound least appealing during winter–when we need these activities the most. It only takes one glance at the miserable weather to discourage us from leaving our room. The challenge is to fight our lazy urges, and brave the miserable bike ride through town.
In the coming months, think about inviting a friend for a meal followed by a light jog. Do this often enough, and you might make it to April in one piece.
