“The fact that the winter weather in Chicago seems to be extending into the spring months can be particularly discouraging, especially for those already struggling with depression. ” Ice storms, heavy snowfall, whirling winds, and frigid air disrupt work commutes, childcare services, and many routines of daily life.
Why is it so depressing in winter?
The reduced level of sunlight in fall and winter may cause winter-onset SAD . This decrease in sunlight may disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. Serotonin levels. A drop in serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) that affects mood, might play a role in SAD .
Is there more depression in winter?
If you’re at risk of SAD, you may already have less serotonin activity. Since sunlight helps regulate serotonin, a lack of sunlight in the winter can make the situation worse. Serotonin levels can fall further, leading to depression.
Is New York depressing in winter?
After months of cold and gray weather, it’s common for New Yorkers to experience symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is a form of depression that occurs specifically during certain seasons of the year. The change in daylight hours can spark hormonal changes and throw off your circadian rhythm.
Why is it so cold in Chicago?
Although the city is located at a middle latitude, in winter it is cold because the North American land mass cools down a lot, and polar air outbreaks are frequent. Given the distance from the sea and the exposure to different types of air masses, temperature changes are frequent.
Is January blues a real thing?
Typically, January Blues manifests itself as feelings of low mood, sadness, lack of motivation, tiredness and low energy. It is also the peak season for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can induce serious depressive episodes during the darker months.
Is winter blues a real thing?
“Winter blues is a general term, not a medical diagnosis. It’s fairly common, and it’s more mild than serious. It usually clears up on its own in a fairly short amount of time,” says Dr. Matthew Rudorfer, a mental health expert at NIH.
Does the sun help with depression?
Improved Mood
Getting some sun increases your serotonin and helps you stave off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and sun exposure can also help people with anxiety and depression, especially in combination with other treatments.
How can I stop being depressed in the winter?
8 ways to cope with the winter blues
- Exercise. Bundle up for a walk, swim indoors, or head to the gym.
- Check your vitamin D levels.
- Get some light therapy.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Stimulate your senses.
- Nurture your spirit.
- Head to a sunnier climate.
- See a therapist.
What time of year does SAD start?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year. Although it can occur in spring or summer, it typically begins in late fall and lasts through the end of winter. It can sap your energy, amp up your carb cravings, and leave you sad and moody for months on end.
What state has the most seasonal depression?
Key findings:
| Rank | State | % Change in Depression Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon | 9.17% |
| 2 | West Virginia | 12.71% |
| 3 | Maine | -3.80% |
| 4 | Arkansas | 4.65% |
Does moving to a warmer climate help depression?
Even before the pandemic, 11 percent of Americans reported having moved at least once in their lives to find better weather. And a lot of research shows that sun and warmth can indeed boost your mood.
Where should I move if I have seasonal depression?
If you’re suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, the best move might be taking some time in Key West.
If you’re feeling the effects of S.A.D., you might want to spend a week in one of these three places.
- Anchorage, Alaska.
- Seattle, Washington.
- Portland, Oregon.
- Spokane, Washington.
- Missoula, Montana.
How do people survive Chicago winters?
Enjoy indoor activities and attractions.
During the winter, people spend extra time dining out, visiting museums, shopping indoors, or checking out the conservatories. While some days may call for a movie night in, don’t let the frigid temps keep you from exploring all that this city has to offer in the winter.
How bad are the winters in Chicago?
In the winter season, Chicago gets an average 28.1 inches of snowfall and has an average temperature of 26.4°F, but the wind from Lake Michigan can sometimes make it feel like it’s colder than Siberia. However, with climate change, Chicago winters are – well – changing.
Is Chicago colder than New York?
While the coldest average monthly temperature in New York bottoms out at 27 degrees, Chicago’s average lows in winter months are 18 degrees or colder. Chicagoans make up for those rough winters by embracing the outdoors the rest of the year.
Why is January so miserable?
January is also prime time for Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a mood disorder that occurs when the seasons change. It usually starts in the fall and winter and continues until spring and summer hit again. “Lack of light causes depressive symptoms,” Dr. Wendy Walsh told Inside Edition.
What is the most depressing time of year?
Blue Monday is the name given to a day in January (typically the third Monday of the month) said by a UK travel company, Sky Travel, to be the most depressing day of the year. The concept was first published in a 2005 press release from the company, which claimed to have calculated the date using an “equation”.
How do you break winter blues?
Do Some Physical Activity. Physical activity has been shown to boost mood, decrease the symptoms of depression, and reduce stress. 3 Start slowly and build up to 30 to 60 minutes a day, five days a week, of aerobic exercise, strength training, yoga, or other fitness-related activities.
How do you emotionally survive the winter?
Brutally frigid winters can take a toll on your mood, but these little steps can help brighten your dreary days.
- Invest in high-quality warm clothes and boots.
- Find a winter-only activity you really enjoy—and schedule a lot of it.
- Cook up some warm, comforting recipes.
- Treat yourself to a few little seasonal luxuries.
How long do winter blues last?
What are the signs and symptoms of SAD? SAD is not considered a separate disorder but is a type of depression characterized by its recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4 to 5 months per year.