As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, many Americans find themselves struggling with the “winter blues.”
A recent survey from American Psychiatric Association sheds light on this widespread phenomenon, revealing that two out of five Americans experience a dip in mood during the winter months. The survey also found that 41% of Americans reported sleeping more in the winter, 28% said they experienced increased fatigue and 27% said they felt depressed.
Those in the Midwest — where the winter months can be especially long and harsh — felt the most pronounced impact.
RELATED STORY | Is exercise or medication better for dealing with depression?
“There are several things you can do that can be helpful, including trying as much as possible to stick to your routines,” says Kelly Rohan, a psychology researcher at the University of Vermont. “Try to get outside as much as possible. There is plenty of light in the winter. You just need to dress properly.”
An estimated 5% of American adults suffer from “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (SAD), a condition characterized by severe mood swings that persist for at least two weeks.
Symptoms of SAD include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. The most challenging months for those with SAD tend to be January and February.
RELATED STORY | The doctor explains why ketamine is used as a depression treatment
For those experiencing more severe symptoms, experts recommend antidepressants, light therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Most importantly, experts emphasize the importance of seeking help from medical professionals.
“It’s really a good idea to have a conversation with your doctor and find out if you really have seasonal affective disorder and how best to treat it,” notes Rohan.
If you struggle with seasonal mood swings or have suicidal thoughts, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling 988 or by texting “HEM” to the crisis text line at 741741.
