Feeling the winter blues
by Christopher Gillett cgillett@starbeacon.com Dec 26, 2024
Winter-time seasonal depression is common issue for people, especially around the holidays.
The American Psychiatric Association reported in October about two in five Americans say their moods worsen in winter.
Ashtabula County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board Executive Director Kaitie Park Hart and Director of Quality and Clinical Operations Melissa Fields said in an email shorter days and snowy weather can cause “winter blues.”
The pair wrote it is common to get overwhelmed with the holidays, because of finances, hectic schedules and complicated family dynamics.
According to information from MHRS, many people suffer from loneliness, as well as stress.
The pair said this was because many people lack a strong support system or close family.
Loneliness can also contribute to holiday-time depression.
The statement said it is easy for people to develop unrealistic expectations for the holidays, for things like gifts.
Read the full article at https://www.starbeacon.com/news/feeling-the-winter-blues/article_972f600c-bf1c-11ef-8a0c-0fcf56020f52.html
