‘Tis the Season for Winter Blues

Written By Megan Orr

Have you noticed yourself wanting to hibernate until about April? Depression symptoms often feel worse in the winter for Midwesterners, and it’s not just you—there are real reasons behind it. Here’s a breakdown of what’s going on:

1. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):

  • SAD is a type of depression that kicks in during the fall and winter. Less sunlight messes with your body’s internal clock, leaving you feeling tired and low.

2. Not Enough Sunlight:

  • Shorter days and less sunshine can throw off your serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone) and boost melatonin (the sleep hormone), which might explain the sluggish, blah feeling.

3. Vitamin D Drop:

  • Sunlight helps your body make vitamin D, which is important for mood. With less sun, especially in the Midwest, a lot of people end up with low vitamin D levels in the winter.

4. Cold Weather and Staying Inside:

  • Freezing temps and snowstorms don’t exactly make you want to go out and do stuff. Staying cooped up can lead to loneliness or stir-craziness.

5. Holiday and Seasonal Stress:

  • The holidays can be overwhelming or stressful, and after they’re over, January and February can feel like a total letdown. Post-holiday blues, anyone?

6. Less Exercise:

  • When it’s icy and cold, it’s harder to stay active, which doesn’t help your mood. Don’t forget that there are some fun winter activities that you can bundle up and enjoy.

    • Ice skating

    • Snowshoeing

    • Skiing (with a little drive to an actual hill of course)

    • Ice fishing

    • Hockey

    • Sledding

7. The Midwest Mindset:

  • There’s this “tough it out” mentality here that can make it harder to prioritize mental health or ask for help when you’re struggling. You can be tough and ask for help.

What You Can Do to Feel Better:

  • Light Therapy: A lightbox can mimic natural sunlight and help regulate your mood.

  • Stay Active: Find an indoor workout or embrace winter sports like snowshoeing or skiing.

  • Boost Vitamin D: A supplement could make a big difference. Talk to your medical provider for a recommendation.

  • Stay Connected: Make plans with friends or join a group to fight off isolation.

  • Talk to Someone: Therapy can help, especially if your symptoms are sticking around.

Winter can be rough, but understanding what’s going on and taking small steps can really help make things easier.

Megan Orr
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