TIME NOW FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT OF THE WEEK. DOES THE COLD WEATHER AND LESS DAYLIGHT HAVE YOU FEELING DOWN? IF THE ANSWER IS YES – YOU ARE NOT ALONE. TWO IN FIVE AMERICANS SAY THEIR MOOD GETS WORSE IN WINTER. HERE WITH US TO DISCUSS HOW TO LOOK AFTER OUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR IS SWEETSER’S MEDICAL DIRECTOR DR. MARC KAPLAN. DOCTOR KAPLAN, THANK YOU FOR COMING IN TODAY. WHY DOES WINTER MAKE US FEEL LONELIER AND MORE ISOLATED? THE REDUCED SUNLIGHT AND COLDER TEMPERATURES OF WINTER CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN SEROTONIN PRODUCTION, WHICH PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN REGULATING YOUR MOOD. THIS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SADNESS, LETHARGY, AND LOW ENERGY. THE COLD ALSO TENDS TO DRIVE PEOPLE INDOORS MORE. THIS CAN LEAD TO SOCIAL ISOLATION. LONELINESS CAN HAVE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH, LEADING TO INCREASED STRESS AND ANXIETY. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO COMBAT ISOLATION THESE FEELINGS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS? MAINTAINING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS PROVIDES A SENSE OF BELONGING AND SUPPORT. WHEN YOU ARE FEELING LONELY IT CAN SOMETIMES BE HARD TO GET OUT OF THAT RUT AND PRIORITIZE BEING SOCIAL, BUT IT’S BEEN PROVEN TO LIFT YOUR MOOD. FIND CREATIVE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS CALL OR VIDEO CHAT WITH A LOVED ONE OR FRIEND JOIN A SOCIAL CLUB OR CIVIC GROUP VOLUNTEER WITH A NONPROFIT OR COMMUNITY GROUP ARE THERE THINGS PEOPLE CAN DO THAT DON’T INVOLVE ENGAGING WITH DON’T INVOLVE ENGAGING WITH OTHERS? YES. THERE ARE MANY THINGS TO DO TO BOOST YOUR MOOD WHEN YOU FEEL DISCONNECTED IN THE WINTER. START A NEW HOBBY OR PROJECT TO FOR COMMUNITY GROUP WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO COMBAT ISOLATION MAINTAINING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS PROVIDES A SENSE OF BELONGING AND SUPPORT. WHEN YOU ARE FEELING LONELY IT CAN SOMETIMES BE HARD TO GET OUT OF THAT RUT AND PRIORITIZE BEING SOCIAL, BUT IT’S BEEN PROVEN TO LIFT YOUR MOOD. FIND CREATIVE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS CALL OR VIDEO CHAT WITH A LOVED ONE OR FRIEND JOIN A SOCIAL CLUB OR CIVIC GROUP VOLUNTEER WITH A NONPROFIT OR COMMUNITY GROUP ARE THERE THINGS PEOPLE CAN DO THAT DON’T INVOLVE ENGAGING WITH OTHERS? YES. THERE ARE MANY THINGS FOR THOSE WHO NEED MORE PROFESSIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WHAT CAN THEY DO? YOU ARE NOT ALONE. HELP IS AVAILABLE. TO GET CONNECTED TO MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT AND SERVICES, CALL THE TO MENTAL HEALTH CALL THE PROMISELINE AT 1-800-434-3000. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A CRISIS OR ARE FEELING MORE CRISIS OR ARE FEELING MO
Physician explains how winter can affect the psychological well being of Maine residents
Up to date: 4:56 PM EST Jan 17, 2025
Mainers who really feel down because of the chilly climate and lack of daylight will not be alone, as two in 5 People say their temper will get worse through the winter.”Our physique reacts to the darkness. We produce much less serotonin and we want serotonin to control our temper. So when there’s much less of that, we are usually extra indignant, extra drained, extra irritable,” mentioned Dr. Marc Kaplan, Sweetser’s medical director.Kaplan additionally mentioned the chilly retains individuals inside extra, which implies much less socialization, which will increase emotions of loneliness and isolation.”The mix of the 2 issues for some individuals leads to a seasonal melancholy,” he mentioned.To fight these emotions, Kaplan suggests connecting with members of the family and family members, even when it is simply by making a telephone name.Kaplan famous the significance of getting exterior when skies are sunny, even when it is only for 10 minutes. He additionally mentioned train is the important thing to boosting somebody’s temper.”We have to have interaction in winter actions once we can. We have to go to a fitness center or go to a pool,” Kaplan mentioned. “Something like that’s actually necessary.”Kaplan added that individuals ought to attempt to keep a superb sleep schedule.Individuals who need assistance managing their psychological well being can name Sweetser’s Peer Help Line at 1-866-771-9276, which is a free, 24/7 useful resource for Mainers. Those that are experiencing a psychological well being disaster ought to name or textual content the 988 Lifeline.
Mainers who really feel down because of the chilly climate and lack of daylight will not be alone, as two in 5 People say their temper will get worse through the winter.
“Our physique reacts to the darkness. We produce much less serotonin and we want serotonin to control our temper. So when there’s much less of that, we are usually extra indignant, extra drained, extra irritable,” mentioned Dr. Marc Kaplan, Sweetser’s medical director.
Kaplan additionally mentioned the chilly retains individuals inside extra, which implies much less socialization, which will increase emotions of loneliness and isolation.
“The mix of the 2 issues for some individuals leads to a seasonal melancholy,” he mentioned.
To fight these emotions, Kaplan suggests connecting with members of the family and family members, even when it is simply by making a telephone name.
Kaplan famous the significance of getting exterior when skies are sunny, even when it is only for 10 minutes. He additionally mentioned train is the important thing to boosting somebody’s temper.
“We have to have interaction in winter actions once we can. We have to go to a fitness center or go to a pool,” Kaplan mentioned. “Something like that’s actually necessary.”
Kaplan added that individuals ought to attempt to keep a superb sleep schedule.
Individuals who need assistance managing their psychological well being can name Sweetser’s Peer Help Line at 1-866-771-9276, which is a free, 24/7 useful resource for Mainers. Those that are experiencing a psychological well being disaster ought to name or textual content the 988 Lifeline.
