Change in mood could be more than just winter blues

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — If the change of season is bringing you down, you aren’t alone. Experts say you could be suffering from seasonal depression.

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“In our area, it tends to hit for people around when we start noticing longer periods of darkness and around when it starts getting a little colder,” said Dr. Monique Winnett PSY.D, a clinical psychologist at St. Joseph’s Health.

It’s the kind of weather Central New York is no stranger to.

“It’s very common for most people to have some amount of what we sometimes refer to as “winter blues.” That does not always rise to the extent of getting a diagnosis of seasonal depression,” Dr. Winnett explained.

Dr. Winnett says the holiday season in general can be a struggle for people. But it can start now.

According to the American Psychiatric Association , January and February tend to be the most difficult months. The APA says about 5% of U.S. adults experience seasonal depression. It typically will last about 40% of the year.

“What we’ve been experiencing the last several days here in Central New York, when we went from sunny and 80s to all of a sudden cold and blowy and 50s, a lot of people feel this biological shift within them and don’t always understand what to attribute it to,” said Dr. Winnett.

If you feel this is popping up more than just one or two days a week, or happening for more than just a couple of weeks, Winnett encourages you to follow up with your primary care provider. They will be able to do a thorough assessment and explore what treatment options are available.

Dr. Winnett suggests using a light lamp to increase the amount of daylight your brain is perceiving throughout the course of the day.

“Psychotherapy or engagement in therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, can be helpful. Sometimes medications are utilized,” Dr. Winnett said.

During this time of year, it’s also critical for people to make some basic behavioral changes to make sure they are keeping up with activities. Getting outside for some fresh air and exercising can also help.

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