BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – If your mood is dipping down with the temperature – you’re not alone. We have tips from experts on how to beat the blues this winter.
Julia Paxman is first in line for the Gate House lift at Sugarbush. She goes every single morning to soak up whatever winter light she can get.
“You get sun, you get beautiful clouds, sometimes colors in the sky and then I’m ready for work,” said Paxman.
As temperatures drop and sunlight wanes, many Vermonters will feel a little off and struggle to recalibrate.
University of Vermont psychology professor Kelly Rohan has studied the winter blues for decades.
“We had a lot of people to study in the fall and winter months, but then it was like you could hear the crickets in the lab in the in the spring and summer months,” said Rohan.
Some Vermonters experience shifts in sleep, energy, and appetite during the winter.
Rohan says about 1 to 2 percent of people suffer from clinical Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD.
“A lot of us have the winter doldrums, maybe a little bit of the winter blues, but Seasonal Affective Disorder is more extreme than that,” said Rohan.
SAD can bring on major sleep issues, weight changes, trouble concentrating, pervasive depression, and even thoughts of suicide.
“The symptoms really interfere with a person’s ability to function in their life, do the things that they need to do perform at work or school or get satisfaction from their relationships,” said Rohan.
Rohan says light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and anti-depressants can help.
One simple solution is to go for a 30-minute walk preferably in the morning.
Or if you’re like Paxman, grab your skis.
“There’s been times where I didn’t get out on the mountain as much and now that I’m in a rhythm, it just has helped,” said Paxman.
If you’re struggling with depression or experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call or text the 988 Crisis Hotline to speak to someone.