Winter blues? It could be seasonal affective disorder
Winter is refusing to loosen its grip on southeast Wisconsin, and when people are blaming it for their bad moods, it could be a little more than the winter blues.
"It’s a type of depression that hits folks between fall and springtime," Ascension St. Francis Hospital therapist Theresa Trenier said. "The further away from the equator you are, the more increased risk you are for getting this diagnosis."
Therapists at Ascension St. Francis said it’s seasonal affective disorder, appropriately nicknamed SAD.
"(Having) less energy, feeling like your mood is lower than usual, maybe noticing changes in sleep or eating patterns," Trenier said.
She also said women are four or five times more at risk than men.
There are things you can do to avoid it.
"Really effective strategies for depression are going to be looking at are you taking care of your physical and your mental health? Are you doing things that encourage your mind and body to connect?" Trenier said.
Therapists also recommend light therapy. Ascension St. Francis has an outpatient clinic if you are interested in seeking help.