By Danielle Smith, Keystone State News Connection
As winter drags on, many Pennsylvanians struggle with what they may shrug off as the winter blues but seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression caused by shorter days and less sunlight, and there are ways to manage it.
An American Psychiatric Association study found nearly four in 10 Americans feel down during the winter months.
Heather Young, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at UPMC-Divine Hospital in Williamsport, said mood fluctuations are common in winter but when depression lingers at least two weeks and seems more serious, it may be time to seek help.
“The lack of interest, and we talk about some people develop suicidal thoughts when their depression becomes really bad in the wintertime, in that time frame where we’re trying to distinguish, is this normal winter blues?” Young explained. “Where people just kind of feel the sun’s change is a little bit different, versus is it really seasonal affective disorder?”
Young noted seasonal affective disorder typically first appears in young adults, between ages 20 and 30. She recommended increasing exposure to sunlight or asking a doctor about indoor light therapy. If you feel you are in crisis, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Young advised reaching out to a primary care doctor if winter blues start affecting daily life, school, or work. In her area, she pointed out they use a “consult model,” where psychiatrists create treatment plans for doctors. Other options include antidepressants, and sticking to a daily sleep routine and physical activity.
“Exercise is really important,” Young emphasized. “Even though it’s cold out, we always kind of say you need to get out and walk. We usually say 30 to 60 minutes a day, even if it’s a cloudy day. If you’re walking, it gives you more of that good sunlight to help kind of combat it. The best time of day, we still always say, is like midday, where the light is the brightest.”
Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said staying connected with others can help fight the winter blues. Strong data show social networks are vital for mental and physical health, and isolation can have a significant negative effect.
“People who have strong social connections actually live longer,” Randall reported. “When we think about longevity and quality of life, those strong ties to friends and family are very good for our health.”
Randall added many insurance plans offer mental health benefits, including telehealth or virtual therapy, coaching, and self-help tools.
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Source: bctv
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