With wintertime cold still gripping much of the nation, health experts are offering ways to overcome seasonal depression, which can accompany bitter temperatures and long, dark days.
A recent survey showed 40% of Americans reported their mood worsens during the winter.
Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said the long, dark days and bitter cold can have a direct effect on Nebraskans’ mental health.
“We’re seeing increased suicides and drug overdose in our country,” Randall noted. “It really is important to recognize when you’re feeling blue and it’s persistent, when to seek help and get an assessment by a trained medical professional.”
Randall recommended spending time around friends to help overcome seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder and added if symptoms persist or become serious, it is important to connect with a health care provider, often accessible now by telehealth. Sometimes, the family doctor will do. If symptoms persist or become debilitating, she said consider visiting a mental health care provider.
Randall acknowledged seasonal depression is not new and suggested some time-tested ways to get ahead of it.
“The first is getting access to some true sunshine,” Randall advised. “30 to 60 minutes outside every day. Whatever it is that you do outside during the hours that the sun is up.”
The days are getting longer, but Nebraska still only gets about nine hours of daylight each day during February. People in severe emotional distress can call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for emergency mental health assistance.
