SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Mental health professionals are offering guidance as residents cope with seasonal affective disorder during a winter marked by frequent snow days and limited sunlight.
The combination of treacherous road conditions, reduced daylight hours and increased time indoors has contributed to seasonal mental health challenges this winter.
“It gets dark pretty early out here. I’m from California so I’m used to the sunshine and here it gets bleak and grey so that definitely takes a toll after a while,” said Connor Laveau, a senior at the University of Notre Dame.
Local psychotherapist and author Dr. Erin Leonard said self-care, reframing negative thoughts, and reducing screen time while increasing social interaction can help combat winter depression. The advice comes as parents deal with children home more often due to weather-related school closures.
Dr. Leonard also emphasized the importance of community support during the winter months.
“Check on your neighbors if they’re elderly, to make sure that your niece who’s living alone is OK, and just really checking in with people and sending good messages of support and love,” she said.
Dr. Leonard recommends establishing consistent self-care routines to address winter blues. These can include signing up for community classes or creating simple daily rituals like making hot cocoa each evening.
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