Seasonal depression and victory over the winter blues

SCRANTON, Pennsylvania. For many people, winter in northeastern and central Pennsylvania seems to last forever, and that’s when winter blues can set in.

Mid-January can be the heaviest after the holidays, when bills pile up and the cold drives people inside.

Bill Citino is Executive Vice President of Clinical Services for the Scranton Advice Center. He says that this time of year they see more patients with what they call seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder.

“Feelings of sadness, feelings of loneliness, perhaps some weight loss or gain depending on how eating habits are formed, insomnia or anxiety, and sometimes oversleeping,” Citino said.

In winter, the days are shorter and temperatures are cooler, so people spend more time inside.

“There are some studies that suggest that less sunlight contributes to lower levels of vitamin D in our body. And there is some correlation between vitamin D and a chemical in our brain called serotonin, which is responsible for our mood.”

There are ways to help you get rid of apathy by finding an activity you enjoy or by trying something new.

Employees at Salted Pixie in Archbald say they are seeing an increase in the number of clients using salt therapy.

“Apart from your mental health component of relaxing and getting out of your head, there are certain physical benefits and a holistic approach,” said Diane Wood.

If you’ve tried any of these and still feel out of sorts and need help, call your doctor or mental health professional.

“It is important to get this support so that we can offer you strategies, whether through traditional conversation or if it justifies the need for any kind of mental health care, such as taking medication from a psychiatrist,” Citino added.

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